Hello Wealth Tablers!
Kimberly and I (Kathryn) have a Public Service Announcement.
You scroll through Instagram. There’s your friend on a tropical vacation. A stranger’s perfectly decorated kitchen. Someone showing off a new car, designer purse, or luxury skincare haul.
And suddenly… you’re adding things to your cart.
You know what I’m talking about: that little voice that says, “I deserve it.” Or, “I’m falling behind.” Before you know it, your budget’s busted—and you’re left wondering where your money went.
Let’s talk about it.
Social Media is a Sales Machine
Social media isn’t just about staying connected. It’s a 24/7 marketing machine designed to make you want what others have. Every post is carefully curated to trigger desire, envy, or FOMO.
It’s not just ads. It’s influencers. Sponsored posts. Affiliate links. Even your friends are unknowingly part of the sales funnel when they share their latest purchase.
Remember: Every scroll is an invitation to spend.
Comparison Costs You
When you compare your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel, you always lose.
You don’t see the credit card debt behind the designer bag. Or the unpaid invoice behind the dream vacation. You just see the “stuff”—and assume you need it, too.
This comparison fuels overspending. It makes you believe happiness, success, and love are tied to material things.
Spoiler: Happiness and life meaning is not found in possessions.
The Rise of “Lifestyle Creep”
Social media encourages something called “lifestyle creep.”
You used to be content with your budget. But now, you’re upgrading everything to match what you see online. New clothes. Fancier dinners. Trendier gadgets.
Suddenly, the lifestyle you thought was affordable is eating into your savings, investments, and financial goals.
Remember who you are now.
Before you bought another cute outfit or amazing skin care routine.
You are the same person whether you have that stuff or not.
How to Protect Your Wallet
Here’s the good news: you can enjoy social media without letting it sabotage your finances.
Try these tips:
Unfollow triggers. If an account makes you feel “less than” or pressured to buy, hit unfollow.
Set a spending limit. Decide in advance how much you’ll spend each month on non-essentials—and stick to it.
Use the 24-hour rule. See something you want? Wait 24 hours before buying. Chances are, the urge will pass.
Follow financial inspiration. Fill your feed with accounts that teach budgeting, saving, and investing—not just spending.
Be mindful of ads. Remember: if you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.
Build a Life You Actually Want
Social media wants you to buy a lifestyle. But your financial health matters more than likes and applause.
Ask yourself: “Will this purchase move me closer to the life I really want?”
Maybe that’s paying off debt. Building an emergency fund. Investing for the future.
Buying more stuff doesn’t pay the bills (unless you’re an Influencer). A well-managed budget does.
So next time you’re tempted to hit “add to cart,” pause. Breathe. And remember—you’re already enough, with or without the latest trend.
Your future self will thank you.
To your prosperity,
Kathryn & Kimberly
P.S. When you’re ready to speak to an authentic financial planner, hop on Kimberly’s calendar. As you know from being a follower of The Wealth Table, Kimberly is friendly, interested, and commited to helping you. Here’s the link: Introduction Meeting.
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