I've been putting $200 a month into savings for two years but every time something good happens I celebrate by spending way more than I saved, like I'm punishing myself for being responsible.
More people experience this than they realize.
The unconscious belief that pleasure and responsibility are mutually exclusive creates a cycle where financial progress triggers self-sabotage.
“Where Are You with Saving and the psychology of deferred gratification?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.