Ask Hanna: I keep financially self-destructing

Why your brain treats savings goals like threats (and what to do about it)

Ever wonder why you do that weird thing with money? Ask Hanna is a weekly Q&A column that digs into the patterns behind your money behaviors — the stuff that makes perfect sense once you understand what your brain is actually trying to do.

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Dear Hanna,

I'm stuck in this frustrating cycle where I'll set a savings goal, do really well for a few months, and then completely blow it up. Last time, I saved $3,000 toward an emergency fund and then spent it all on a weekend trip and new furniture. I felt amazing while spending it but terrible afterward. Now I'm starting over again and I'm worried I'll just repeat the same pattern. Why do I keep doing this to myself?

— Self-Sabotage Sally