Truly support
independent journalism
Our mission is to provide unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds the powerful to account and exposes the truth.
Whether it's $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us in offering journalism without agenda.
The “slow shopping” trend is gaining traction on social media as an alternative way to save money.
On TikTok, a new financial trend is taking over the platform. Following in the footsteps of the “noisy budget” trend, “slow shopping” encourages consumers to be more mindful of their purchases in a different way. It’s the complete opposite of impulse buying, as it requires consumers to deliberately reflect on their spending habits.
As consumers spend more time between browsing and buying, it helps them stick to their budgets and minimizes the likelihood of purchase regret. Slow shopping allows consumers to take back power from the so-called capitalist machine, encouraging intentional habits while prioritizing their enjoyment.
“It really involves being intentional about the moment between being tempted and making the purchase,” consumer financial advocate Courtney Alev told Pop sugar“Take the time to think about whether you really want or need to make that purchase.”
Avoiding the pitfalls of afterpay culture will make your wallet happier and healthier. This is especially true if your goal is to increase your savings. According to Bank rate 2024 Annual Emergency Savings Report: More than one in three (36 percent) American adults have more credit card debt than money saved in an emergency savings account.
On social media, conscious consumption has taken off, particularly with the de-influenza trend and the influx of sustainable capsule wardrobe videos, signalling that “slow living” is not just a trend but a movement. “Slow shopping” adds to this ongoing “slow living” movement, where people seek to live a simpler life by avoiding excess and leading with mindfulness.
By becoming more conscious of your spending through “slow shopping,” you can identify whether purchases will add value to your life and minimize financial stressors as a result.
In a 2023 Qualtrics study for Credit Karma, researchers found that more than half of Gen Z and millennial respondents identified as “emotional spenders,” and two-thirds racked up debt due to emotional spending. In the same study, nearly half of respondents reported feeling guilty about their emotional spending, and 60 percent expressed a desire to make changes to their financial habits.
“The main benefit of practicing slow shopping is saving money, but it can also save you a lot of stress,” explains Erika Kullberg, personal finance expert and founder of Erika.com. Bank rate“Spending money on unnecessary purchases can also lead to financial stress if you’re struggling to stick to a budget, pay off debt or meet your savings goals.”
The downside to slow shopping, however, with its typical waiting period, is that it can lead you to talk yourself out of making purchases even when necessary. Being aware of what is and isn’t a priority can help deter this. Ultimately, Kullberg noted that “slow shopping” is about getting rid of the clutter and overwhelming feelings that come with finances.
