Money triggers you didn’t know you had — and how they’re sabotaging your savings

What are money triggers?

Money triggers are emotional or environmental cues that lead to unplanned spending or financial anxiety. They can be internal (like stress or guilt), or external (like payday sales or social media). You might not even realise when they’re happening. They can quietly unravel your best savings efforts.

The good news is that once you spot them, you can take steps to work around them.

1. The payday dopamine rush

You get paid. You feel good. You may get that sudden urge to treat yourself - after all, it’s pay day. This is one of the most common money triggers. Our brains link payday with reward, so it’s no surprise that the first few days of the month are when most people spend the most.

Fix it: Automate your savings on payday, even if it’s just £50. That way, you’re rewarding yourself and building momentum, before temptation takes hold.

2. Retail therapy when you’re stressed or tired

Emotional spending is real. If you’ve had a hard week, your brain is more likely to crave comfort…and a new pair of jeans, takeaway or night out. Unfortunately, the dopamine hit is only temporary, and it delays your bigger financial goals.

Fix it: Start by spotting the pattern. If your spending spikes when your mood dips, try building in other forms of relief, such as going for a walk, talking to a friend, or planning a proper treat rather than reacting in the moment.

3. Comparing yourself to everyone else

Social media doesn’t just show you what people are wearing or eating. It shows you what they can afford (or at least what they want you to think they can). That pressure to keep up can quietly chip away at your confidence and your savings if you feel the pressure to keep up with them.

Fix it: Mute or unfollow accounts that trigger spending. Remember that you’re seeing highlights, not bank statements. And if you need a reset, spend some time reconnecting with your own financial goals.

Learn more: 17 ways to smash your savings goals

4. Feeling guilty about past mistakes

Maybe you used to be bad with money. Maybe you’re still in your overdraft. Maybe you feel embarrassed about how much you’ve spent without saving. When guilt creeps in, many people either ignore their finances or avoid making plans, which only keeps them stuck.

Fix it: You can’t change what you’ve spent, but you can decide what happens next. The best way to deal with past habits is to build new ones. Even small steps (like checking your credit score or setting a £100 savings target) can lead to lasting progress over time. 

Learn more: How we use behavioural science to help you save faster

5. Not having a clear reason to save

It’s much harder to stay motivated when your savings feel vague. Without a goal, money in your account is just waiting to be spent. Even financially confident people can have the occasional ‘oops’ moment if they’re not consciously saving for anything specific.

Fix it: Set a goal that matters. Buying your first home. Clearing a credit card. Building a three-month emergency fund. Once you know what you’re working toward, it’s easier to stay focused, and easier to say no to stuff that doesn’t serve that goal.