Money Talk with Skyler Fleming Podcast
Spending to Save and the Psychology Behind “Deals”
I recently had the chance to join Money Talk with Skyler Fleming for a fun and insightful conversation about a topic that trips up even the savviest of shoppers—spaving (spending to save). You know, that moment when you convince yourself you need three extra tubes of toothpaste because they’re “buy two, get one free”? Yeah, we went there.
We broke down the sneaky psychology behind BOGO deals, bulk discounts, and why our brains betray us into thinking we’re saving money when, in reality, we’re just hoarding enough shampoo to last into retirement. But the bigger takeaway? How to spend intentionally—aligning your money with what actually matters instead of becoming a loyal disciple of Target’s clearance aisle.
🎙️Click here to listen to the full episode.
Key Takeaways & Timestamps
⏳ [03:30] - What Is Spaving & Why Do We Fall for It?
Skyler and I explored why retailers use "buy more, save more" strategies and how behavioral biases—like loss aversion—make these deals so tempting.
⏳ [10:45] - The Amazon & Black Friday Pricing Trick
We discussed how companies manipulate original prices to make discounts look bigger than they actually are, and I shared a simple hack (using CamelCamelCamel.com) to check if you're really getting a deal.
⏳ [18:20] - Intentional Spending & Aligning Your Values
I explained why identifying what you truly enjoy spending money on—whether it's travel, giving, or meaningful experiences—makes financial decisions so much easier.
⏳ [27:15] - No Spend Weeks: A Financial Reset
Skyler and I talked about how setting intentional spending breaks can help reset your habits, curb impulse buying, and reveal what purchases actually matter to you.
⏳ [35:40] - The Psychology of Money & Building Momentum
We wrapped up by discussing how financial awareness alone can drive better habits and why small, intentional changes create long-term financial freedom.
If you've ever felt like your spending gets away from you—or wondered if that “great deal” is really worth it—this episode is packed with practical strategies to take control of your finances.