If you’ve recently been shopping, you may have noticed that your paycheck doesn’t stretch as far as it once did. You’re not imagining it—prices are indeed rising.

In March, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.4 percent, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the past year, the CPI has risen by 3.5 percent, up from 3.2 percent for the year ending in February.

One reaction to these rising costs is what some people refer to as “hate spending.” Here’s an explanation of this concept and some tips on how to protect your hard-earned money.

What is hate spending?

Hate spending refers to spending money out of frustration in response to rising prices. Instead of adjusting their lifestyle or seeking ways to cut costs, some consumers continue spending as if prices haven’t changed. This behavior often stems from anger or resentment about paying more for items that used to be cheaper.

This should not be confused with doom spending, where individuals buy luxury items to cope with economic uncertainty, which is an expensive way to alleviate stress.

Hate spending, on the other hand, is driven more by defiance or frustration rather than a desire for retail therapy. For instance, if your favorite box of cookies has jumped from $6 to $9, you might still buy it out of a sense of entitlement or as a reward for working hard, rather than searching for a cheaper alternative.

Emily Stewart of Business Insider, who coined the term “hate spending,” explains that consumers continue to spend as usual but with underlying anger about the increased costs.

Why shoppers are hate spending

Consumers may not be thrilled about higher prices, but many continue making purchases despite their dissatisfaction. For some, this behavior is a form of rebellion; for others, it reflects a sense of helplessness.

“Consumers often overspend for a few reasons,” explains consumer finance expert Andrea Woroch. “Many people don’t track their expenses closely. With purchases spread across various credit cards or buy-now-pay-later services, individuals may accumulate significant debt before realizing the full extent of their spending.”

Woroch also notes that consumers feel constrained. They want to maintain their freedom to spend, especially given their hard-earned income.

“Consumers don’t want to feel restricted, especially when they’re working hard for their money. Yet, with rising costs, their dollars aren’t stretching as far. They’re reluctant to forgo the items they enjoy.”

For example, Vermont resident Alysia Straw is unwilling to compromise on her preferred brands. Her loyalty to Pepsi Zero means she’s not ready to switch to a different product, despite price increases.

“I’m loyal to Pepsi Zero and won’t drink any other brand,” says Straw. “I usually buy a case of 24 cans for $11, which lasts me about a week and a half.”

Recently, Straw was dismayed to find the price had jumped nearly $6. Although frustrated, she decided to make the $17 purchase.

“I managed to keep my cool and not throw my Visa card across the counter,” Straw joked. “But I’m not optimistic about the situation improving. I expect shrinkflation to hit soon, where the price stays the same but the quantity decreases. It’s incredibly frustrating,” she added.

Managing financial grief

Spending more than anticipated often plunges shoppers into a state of financial distress. Julie Beckham, Associate Vice President of Financial Education Development and Strategy at Rockland Trust, notes that many consumers are finding it challenging to adjust to evolving economic conditions.

“We’ve just come out of a pandemic, and the process of financial grief is complex and varied,” Beckham explains. “Some individuals are stuck in the anger stage, grappling with the new reality of higher costs. They struggle to accept this change because their frustration persists. Amid global chaos and uncertainty, people still want what they want,” she adds.

How to resist the urge to hate spend

It’s easy to take the path of least resistance when dealing with finances, especially when your favorite items become more expensive. Instead of accepting higher prices without question, invest time in finding better deals to maximize your spending power. Here are some additional strategies to safeguard your finances:

Set and follow a budget

A well-crafted budget helps track your spending and keeps your finances in check. By outlining your income and expenses, you can better manage your money and increase your savings.

“This approach helps you determine how much you can realistically save or allocate toward debt, allowing you to set more achievable goals,” says Woroch. “It’s crucial for paying off debt, building savings, and improving your financial health.”

Get a handle on impulse purchases

Be aware of your spending triggers and try to control impulse buys.

“If you find yourself unable to resist sales, consider turning off notifications from deal apps and unsubscribing from store newsletters,” suggests Woroch. “Look for discounts on items you genuinely need and use tools like Sidekick from CouponCabin to automatically apply coupons and cash back to your purchases.”

Automate payments

Setting up automatic payments can help you stay on top of bills and reduce financial stress.

“If you’re dealing with credit card debt, automating payments can be beneficial,” explains Beckham. “Making small, regular payments can help you manage debt without constant worry. Automating reduces the temptation to dwell on the debt and helps you stay focused on your long-term financial goals.”