Money is emotional, and when emotions take over, our habits often swing to extremes. Revenge Saving involves slashing all spending after a financial scare, aiming to “make up for lost time.” Doom Spending is the opposite—impulsive purchases driven by a “might as well enjoy now” mindset when the future feels uncertain. Both are natural responses to stress, but unchecked, they can derail your long-term financial goals. The key is finding a balanced, sustainable approach that supports both your present and future.

In this guide, we’ll explore revenge saving and doom spending, help you identify your habits, and provide a practical reset plan using the 3-Jar Method. With Onu’s AI-powered insights, you’ll stay on track without shame, focusing on consistent progress.

What Is Revenge Saving?

Revenge Saving is an intense reaction to financial stress—like a layoff, market dip, or unexpected bill—where you cut all non-essential spending overnight. No coffee, no dining out, no social outings. It feels empowering initially but can lead to burnout, guilt over small purchases, or a binge that undoes your progress.

Signs You’re Revenge Saving

• You cancel useful subscriptions (e.g., productivity apps) to save every penny.
• Your social life disappears because “everything costs too much.”
• You feel guilty spending $5 on a non-essential item.
• Your savings plan lacks a clear goal or end date—just “save more.”

Example: After a $1,000 car repair, you cancel a $15/month app, skip all social events, and avoid replacing worn shoes, saving $300/month but feeling miserable.

What Is Doom Spending?

Doom Spending occurs when pessimism or stress drives impulsive purchases: “The world’s a mess, so I’ll enjoy today.” It includes frequent takeout, online shopping sprees, or unnecessary upgrades. It feels good momentarily but leads to regret and financial strain.

Signs You’re Doom Spending

• Impulse buys spike after bad news or stressful workdays.
• You justify purchases with “I deserve this” without checking your budget.
• Credit card balances grow despite stable income.
• Subscriptions accumulate, each “small” but adding up to hundreds annually.

Example: After a tough week, you spend $100 on takeout and $50 on a streaming service, adding $150/month to your expenses without planning.

Quick Quiz: Which One Are You Doing?

Answer honestly to identify your default habit. Check the column that applies—whichever has more checks is your tendency.

Revenge Saving	Doom Spending
You cut recurring costs aggressively—even useful ones.	You add small subscriptions because “it’s only $5.”
You delay basic replacements (shoes, tires) beyond reason.	You upgrade items that still work fine.
You feel anxious buying anything non-essential.	You feel relief after buying, then guilt later.
You have no joy category—everything is “needs.”	You have no plan—spending is reactive.

Example: If you check three Revenge Saving boxes, you’re likely cutting too aggressively and need a balanced Joy Line.

The Middle Path: Calm, Consistent Money

The goal isn’t to choose between revenge saving and doom spending—it’s to find a sustainable balance. The 3-Jar Method and guardrails help you stabilize your finances while allowing room for joy.

1) Use the 3-Jar Method (with Guardrails)

Divide your income into three categories:

• Essentials: Rent, utilities, groceries, insurance, minimum debt payments.
• Goals: Emergency fund, extra debt payments, investments.
• Wants: Dining out, entertainment, upgrades, treats.

Set percentage caps (e.g., 50/30/20 or 55/20/25 for high-cost areas) and automate transfers on payday.

Example: On a $3,000 income, allocate $1,500 to Essentials, $900 to Wants, $600 to Goals, ensuring balance.

2) Install “Friction” Where Needed

• For Doom Spending: Apply a 24-hour rule for non-essentials over $25; remove saved credit cards; unsubscribe from promo emails.
• For Revenge Saving: Set a Joy Line of $50–$150/month for guilt-free spending.

Example: A 24-hour rule prevents a $100 impulse buy, saving $1,200/year, while a $50/month Joy Line avoids a $300 binge.

3) Decide Minimums & Maximums

• Minimum Save: 10% to Goals, even in tight months, to maintain progress.
• Maximum Cut: Keep Wants at 5–10% for no more than 60 days to prevent rebounds.

Example: Saving $300/month (10%) ensures $3,600/year, while keeping Wants at $150 prevents burnout.

4) Create Pre-Commit Rules

• Windfalls: 70% to Goals, 30% to Wants.
• Raises: First 3 months 100% to Goals, then 50/50 with Wants.

Example: A $1,000 bonus splits $700 to savings, $300 to a planned treat, avoiding impulsive spending.

5) Check Pulse Monthly (5 Minutes)

• Are you within jar caps?
• Did stress trigger overspending?
• Does your Joy Line need adjusting to prevent burnout?

Example: A $200 Wants overspend in one month prompts a $50/week cap adjustment, redirecting $50 to Goals.

Mini Playbooks

If You’re Revenge Saving

1. Add a Joy Line of $10–$30/week for guilt-free fun.
2. Un-cancel two useful tools (e.g., $15/month app, $20/month transit pass) that save time or money.
3. Shift to slow cuts: Reduce one category by 10% monthly, not all at once.
4. Define an end date (e.g., “Save $2,000 by December 31”).

Example: Adding a $20/week Joy Line ($80/month) prevents a $200 binge, saving $120/month.

If You’re Doom Spending

1. Enforce a 24-hour rule and delete one-click payment methods.
2. Run a 14-day Wants freeze, then set a $50/week cap.
3. Cancel 2–3 low-value subscriptions (e.g., $10/month each), saving $240/year.
4. Move windfalls to Goals for 60 days to reset habits.

Example: Canceling two $10/month subscriptions and applying a 24-hour rule saves $240/year and prevents a $100 impulse buy.

Metrics That Keep You Honest

Track these metrics to stay accountable:

• Jar Balance Health: Are Wants draining before mid-month?
• Savings Streak: Number of paydays hitting your Goals transfer.
• Impulse Rate: Number of purchases made within 10 minutes of viewing—aim to reduce weekly.

Example: A 50% impulse rate (5/10 purchases) drops to 20% after a 24-hour rule, saving $150/month.

Real-Life Example

Meet Sarah, earning $3,500/month, who swung between revenge saving and doom spending. Here’s how she found balance:

• Quiz: Sarah checked three Doom Spending boxes, identifying impulsive purchases after stressful workdays.
• 3-Jar Method: Set a 50/30/20 split ($1,750 Essentials, $1,050 Wants, $700 Goals).
• Friction: Applied a 24-hour rule, saving $100/month on impulse buys, and added a $50/week Joy Line to avoid binges.
• Minimums/Maximums: Saved $350/month (10%) to Goals, keeping Wants at $150 minimum to prevent rebounds.
• Pre-Commit Rules: Directed a $1,500 bonus (70% to savings, 30% to a planned dinner), saving $1,050.
• Monthly Check: Onu flagged a $200 Wants overspend, prompting a $50/week cap adjustment.

In a year, Sarah saved $4,200, paid off $2,400 in debt, and enjoyed planned treats, avoiding both extremes.

Final Thoughts

Money doesn’t have to be an emotional rollercoaster. Whether you’re revenge saving or doom spending, the middle path—using the 3-Jar Method, guardrails, and consistent checks—leads to lasting stability. Onu helps with pattern tracking, jar balance alerts, and personalized nudges, all without touching your money. Start today and build a financial system that quietly compounds into freedom.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consider speaking with a financial professional for guidance tailored to your situation.