The pang of doubt that hits after a purchase can feel like a mental tug-of-war. Second-guessing spending is a common experience, leaving many wondering why they feel uneasy about their spending choices and how they can feel confident. This article explores the emotional and psychological roots of second-guessing spending and why it happens.

Money confidence comes from knowing what’s coming next—steady paychecks, predictable expenses, and a growing economy. But right now? Predictability is out the window. Prices are climbing, layoffs are happening, and the stock market has taken a serious hit since the new administration took over. If you’ve been feeling uneasy about your money, you’re not alone. Even those who were once financially comfortable are now pulling back on spending and swiping their credit cards more than ever just to keep up.

From 2018 to the end of 2024, the cost of living has shot up by 36.8%. If you spent $50,000 a year in 2018, you’d need $68,400 today to maintain the same lifestyle. And if we narrow it down to just the last three years? Prices have risen by 21.3% since 2021—that’s a lot of extra cash just to keep up. So, while Congress debates, vetoes, and reintroduces plans that may or may not ever see the light of day, here’s how to take control of your own money, stretch your dollars further, and ensure you’re running your household better than DC runs the country.