Bloomberg Surveillance · Saturday, August 29, 2026
New research indicates that a significant majority of Americans (72%) feel guilty about spending money on enjoyable purchases, even when they can afford them. This sentiment is attributed to anxieties about the cost of living, housing affordability, and economic uncertainty, contrasting with post-pandemic 'YOLO' spending habits.
“The new research by Allied Bank actually shows that 72% of Americans feel guilty about spending money on joy, things that bring them happiness, even when they can afford it.”
“And it's also happening at a time of when we have a lot of anxiety about cost of living rising, about unaffordable housing, and uncertainty about economics in the economic future in America.”
“Actually, yeah. We talked to a few people in planning their travels, planning their leisures, and they mentioned that traveling and having that experience that they think is really worth it It's probably better than maybe just spending money on a weekend out, on a night out, having dinner.”