What is spaving? Plus, tips to avoid it

Ever bought something you didn’t really need just to qualify for a discount or free shipping? That’s spaving in action. It’s short for “spending to save,” and while the logic feels smart at the moment, spaving can quietly eat away at your budget.

Whether it’s buying an extra pair of socks to get 15% off or adding items to hit a free shipping minimum, spaving tricks us into thinking we’re winning the savings game. But in most cases, we’re just spending more.

Let’s unpack what spaving is, why it happens, and how you can help your family spend with intention instead.

What is spaving?

Spaving is when you spend more money than intended in order to get a perceived deal or discount. The term blends spending and saving, and it’s especially common in online shopping.

Example: Say your total is $42, and you notice shipping is free for orders over $50. You add a $12 item you didn’t need just to skip the $6 shipping fee. You just spent more to "save."

It might sound like no big deal. But over time, small decisions like these can snowball into real spending problems.

Why we fall for it: The psychology of spaving

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Spaving isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about how our brains respond to:

1. Fear of missing out (FOMO)

We’re wired to act fast when we think a deal is limited. That’s why phrases like "Only 3 left!" or "Ends tonight!" work so well.

2. The thrill of the deal

Saving feels good. We get a small rush of dopamine when we “beat the system” or snag a promo. Even if we spend more to get it.

3. Justifying purchases

Sometimes we tell ourselves we needed the item anyway. Or that we’re being responsible by stocking up. Spaving makes overspending feel rational.

Common spaving traps (and how they work)

Understanding these traps can help you shop smarter and skip unnecessary spending.

Free shipping thresholds

Retailers often offer free shipping at a certain price point (e.g., $50). If you were only planning to spend $35, adding $15 worth of extra stuff just to "save" on shipping could actually cost you more in the end.

Smart move: Ask yourself: Would I still want this extra item if shipping were free either way?

"Buy more, save more" sales

These offers often start with a tempting deal—like "Buy 2, get 1 free" or "Spend $100, get $25 off." While they can be valuable for planned purchases, they often encourage you to buy more than you need.

Smart move: Stick to your list. If you're buying items just to hit the discount, it's not truly saving.

Bulk discounts on non-essentials

Buying in bulk can save money, but only when you actually need the quantity. Stocking up on candles, socks, or novelty items that aren't part of your essentials can add clutter and expense.

Smart move: Buy in bulk only for items you use regularly and can store easily.

Loyalty rewards that encourage extra spending

Many loyalty programs reward you for spending more, like giving you points or coupons for future purchases. These programs can be helpful if you’re already a regular shopper, but they can also tempt you to buy things you don’t need just to earn a perk.

Smart move: Use rewards on planned purchases, not as an excuse to spend more now.

How to avoid spaving

1. Make a list and stick to it

Before shopping, jot down what you actually need. Lists help you stay focused and reduce the temptation to add just one more thing.

2. Set spending limits

Use budgeting tools to define limits for certain categories. If your kids and teens are having trouble with spaving, set up spend controls with Greenlight, the #1 family finance and safety app. You can set limits on how much your kids spend, block unsafe merchants and retailers, and help them learn the power of budgeting. 

3. Sleep on it

If something isn’t on your list, pause and wait 24 hours before buying. Chances are, the deal will pass and the urge will too.

4. Compare savings vs. spending

Ask: Am I spending $30 to save $10? Could I skip the extra item and still come out ahead?

5. Track your spaving habits

Keep a running tally of times you “spent to save.” It can help you see patterns and make smarter choices over time.

Teaching kids to avoid spaving

Kids learn from what we do and what we explain. Here’s how to build their spaving radar:

• Talk through decisions. Let them hear you question whether a sale is truly worth it.

• Encourage goal setting. Saving for something specific builds patience and purpose.

• Give them real-life practice. With digital money management tools like Greenlight, they can track spending and see how small decisions add up.

Be aware of spaving

Spaving may feel like savvy shopping, but it often leads to overspending. Recognizing the signs and understanding the psychology behind it can help you make more mindful money choices.

Want to budget as a family? Teach your kids essential budgeting skills with Greenlight’s award-winning educational money app.Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.† 

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.