The secret behind the habit of digesting

Many people wonder why they can't save money or always spend too much money. If you think that the source of the problem comes from old habits or inflation, then perhaps you should think again.

Psychologists and marketing experts discovered that savings plans, levels of satisfaction with life and style of spending play a decisive role in the financial situation of each individual.

'Some people think that they have no motivation to save, so they spend their time comfortably,' said Leona Tam, a marketing lecturer at Old Dominion University, Norfork, Virginia, USA. .

Leona sees the tendency to save money often occurs when people have short-term goals (such as saving to buy one next month), not long-term goals (shopping next year). Those who focus on short-term plans have a higher chance of success in their efforts to complete the targets.

The female teacher interviewed 678 people (both male and female) to find out how much money they could save in the next month, a specific future month or the following year. Most interviewees said they always saved money if they had goals in the next month, but rarely had enough money to realize plans for the following year.

'Many people think they can save more in the future, but the reality is that most of us don't have enough savings for long-term plans. Therefore, setting short-term goals is the best way to save money, ' Leona said.

In another study, Miriam Tatzel, professor of psychology at New York University (USA), interviewed 329 people with an average age of 38. Based on a previous research result, she divided the spending into four categories. "Value Seekers" values ​​material but closely in spending. "Big Spenders" attaches great importance to material and spending money. "Non-Spenders" have a stern view of spending but do not value material. "Experiencers" is comfortable in spending but does not value material.

Interview results showed that the group considered material comfort and spending freely felt satisfied with life at the lowest level and they often faced debt. Meanwhile, the group does not value material but comfortable spending feels satisfied with life.

'I am not surprised that the level of satisfaction with life in the Experiencers group is the highest. Many previous studies have demonstrated that the way to spend money reflects people's thoughts on the present life. For those who like the experience and generous spending, spending money on tourism, education brings a feeling of happiness more than buying a car, ' Miriam explained.

A third study, conducted in Canada, shows that shopping may blame many people for guilt or shame.

Sunghwan Yi, a professor at Guleph University in Ontario, Canada, interviewed 222 students about their feelings after spending a greater amount of monthly income to shop. Most admit they feel guilty or ashamed. People who feel guilty tend to use positive measures to reduce impulses, such as focusing on work, limiting to shopping centers or not putting too much cash in their pockets. Meanwhile, people who feel ashamed often apply more negative measures.