How to Stop FOMO From Hurting Your Wallet

FOMO — who knew four little letters could have so much power over your emotions and your budget? Standing for Fear Of Missing Out, it describes that unshakeable feeling that other people are having more fun than you are.

This jealous catch-all has become a punchline to a lot of jokes, but there are real-life consequences to this popular hashtag. You can end up spending a lot of money in making sure you don’t miss out on the next big thing.

If you’re done with feeling left out, check in with these FOMO-busting tips. They can help you avoid wasting money on trying to fit in.

Follow a Budget

A budget is a reminder that you have responsibilities that don’t always coincide with your need to keep up with others. These expenses are a part of being an adult — whether it’s rent, student loan payments, or groceries.

Another essential feature of adult life and your budget is savings. Financial advisors recommend saving as much as you can in a rainy-day fund.

Write out Your Goals

Saving just to save isn’t great motivation. Why would you hoard some cash when you could otherwise spend it on something fun right now?

Eventually, following the rules pays off. If you’re committed to saving regularly, you might have the cash you need to go on vacation or splurge on something big.

The trick is naming these goals before you start.

Setting explicit objectives for your savings can help you stay on track. Whether it’s an all-inclusive vacation or simply being prepared in an emergency, a goal justifies your sacrifices.

Although less flashy than an exotic holiday, an emergency fund is something everyone needs. It helps you take on unexpected bills without putting a strain on your budget.

If your savings don’t quite cover an essential repair or medical expense, you can use an online installment loan to help bridge the gap. These short term loans are a little different from traditional personal loans. Research what to do if you need to borrow cash from an installment loan lender to make sure you know how they work.

Unplug from Social Media

Apps like Instagram and Facebook may be a fun way to spend your break, but they can exacerbate feelings of FOMO.

What you have to remember is that social media provides a literal snapshot of other people’s lives. Whether it’s friends or celebrities, people post only the highlight reel from their camera roll. You aren’t seeing all the times they’re taking out the garbage or paying their bills.

Out of sight, out of mind is a surprisingly effective strategy. By signing out of these sites, you can limit your exposure to envy-inducing pictures.

Spend Quality Time with People

FOMO is more than just the disappointment you feel when you miss an epic party or night out. It can be a crippling condition that makes you second-guess every decision.

If you’re constantly thinking about how you’d be having a better time somewhere else with someone else, you may have a problem with the people in your life.

Loneliness and insecurity are at the root of a lot of these issues. It’s easy to fall into the FOMO trap when you’re struggling with self-esteem and a fractured sense of belonging.

Rather than chasing after any experience as treatment, focus on curating quality experiences with the people you love. Spending quality time with your closest friends and family is one of the top tips for living a healthier and happier life. It also helps create meaningful relationships that fulfill you in ways that help lessen FOMO’s impact.

FOMO can lead to a crushing sense of indecision. Stuck in a perpetual belief that the grass is greener on the other side, you’ll never go out and do anything you truly enjoy.

It will be difficult to beat it, but you can end the power FOMO has over your life. By using the tips outlined above, you’ll be able to ignore the pull of other people’s experiences and do what you need for your finances.

Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided for discussion purposes only, and should not be misconstrued as investment advice. Under no circumstances does this information represent a recommendation to buy or sell securities.