I recently read “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey, a book I highly recommend if you’re serious about getting your money game in order. It’s filled with practical, no-fluff insights that will walk you step by step from financial chaos to financial confidence.
One section that caught my attention (among many) was the author’s take on spending, particularly on overspending.
Keep reading for more…
The Lie Behind “I Deserve It”
Have you ever looked at your account balance at the end of the month and wondered, “Where did all my money go?”
You didn’t splurge on anything major. You paid your bills, maybe treated yourself a little, and everything felt fine.
But here’s the truth: sometimes, overspending doesn’t feel like overspending—especially when life seems to be going well.
As Dave Ramsey puts it:
“Overspending that doesn’t feel like overspending because things are going well is still overspending.”
That line hit me hard the first time I read it. Because it’s easy to believe that as long as we’re earning more, we’re doing fine. But that mindset is what quietly keeps so many of us stuck in the same financial cycle, earning enough, but never really getting ahead.
1. Why Overspending Feels So Normal
The first trap is emotional justification.
We often spend to celebrate progress, reward hard work, or relieve stress. “I’ve been consistent all month,” “It’s been a tough week,” or “It’s payday, I deserve this”—sound familiar?
But overspending doesn’t usually happen in one big moment. It happens in dozens of small, emotionally charged decisions that add up quietly.
When the spending aligns with positive emotions, it feels right—even though it’s not serving your long-term goals.
2. The “Doing Well” Illusion
The danger comes when life feels stable: steady income, no debt collectors, bills paid on time.
That sense of comfort creates a false confidence: we assume our money habits are fine simply because things aren’t falling apart.
But as Ramsey warns, the biggest threat isn’t failure—it’s complacency.
“The enemy of ‘the best’ is not ‘the worst.’ The enemy of ‘the best’ is ‘just fine.’”
You don’t have to be broke to be financially stagnant.
You just have to stop paying attention.
3. Emotional Spending vs. Intentional Spending
Emotional spending happens when we buy to feel better now.
Intentional spending happens when we buy to feel better later.
The difference is timing and purpose.
Intentional spending aligns with your priorities: paying off debt, saving for emergencies, or investing in something that multiplies your peace and freedom later.
When you spend intentionally, you’re no longer reacting to your emotions—you’re responding to your goals.
4. How to Break the Overspending Habit
If you’re ready to take back control, here’s a simple framework that works:
a. Track every Naira (or dollar) for 30 days.
No judgment, just awareness. Most people don’t realize how small leaks—like subscriptions, delivery fees, or “treats”—add up to major drains.
b. Redefine your triggers.
Write down what you usually tell yourself before spending unnecessarily (“I worked hard,” “I’ll make more next month,” “It’s not that expensive”).
Then replace that thought with a truth-based statement: “Peace of mind feels better than impulse buys.”
c. Create spending boundaries.
Have a clear “fun money” amount each month. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Boundaries don’t take away your freedom, they protect it.
d. Reconnect with your financial vision.
Overspending often happens when you forget why you’re saving.
Keep a visible reminder of your next financial milestone—debt freedom, emergency fund, or investment target.
5. Progress, Not Perfection
The goal isn’t to feel guilty about spending—it’s to spend with purpose.
Breaking the habit takes time, and you’ll still slip occasionally. But each time you pause, question, and choose differently, you’re building stronger money muscles.
Because at the end of the day, wealth isn’t built from massive paychecks, it’s built from consistent, mindful choices.
Overspending can be unlearned
Overspending doesn’t make you irresponsible. It makes you human.
But if you want to move from “doing well” to actually winning, it’s time to stop normalizing comfort and start prioritizing growth.
Your next financial level isn’t waiting on more money, it’s waiting on more intention.
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