This New App Is Using Psychology to Make You a Happier Spender

Dec 06, 2017

Anyone who’s ever heard the phrase “retail therapy” (and we’re willing to bet you have) knows that money represents a lot more than just cash in the bank. Having money means having the flexibility to go to the store and grab that new Michael Kors bag you’ve had your eye on — and if you happen to subscribe to the idea that a shopping trip can, in fact, be therapeutic, it also means that you have easier access to a quick fix of happiness. Widely understood concepts such as retail therapy, as well as phrases like “money can’t buy you happiness,” play a significant role in the way we approach our finances, making it almost impossible to entirely separate emotions and psychology from your account balance. Most of the financial tools we’ve had at our disposal haven’t quite addressed this reality — but brushing our money-related feelings under the rug hasn’t done us any favors. Many of us are uncomfortable talking about money, and we’re not able to effectively integrate the more emotional aspects of financial decisions into our spending and other long-term decisions. Enter Joy (free on iOS), a recently launched money app that seeks to address the psychology of money.

Joy delivers personalized experiences by asking each user to complete in-app assessments that identify their financial personality. Based on that personality, one of four money coaches is assigned to the user, and is then available to help them develop strong financial habits and better manage their spending and saving. Like other financial apps, Joy also learns more about a user’s financial profile over time by tracking income, bills, housing payments, and available discretionary spending.

“There are a lot of apps out there designed to help people save money, [but] I think Joy makes savings feel fun,” says Dr. Elizabeth Dunn, author and scientific adviser to Joy. “Saving is like the unglamorous little sister of spending. But Joy elevates saving, offering the same pleasurable buzz we typically associate with spending.”

While your savings account might benefit from the app — Joy offers daily behavior-based savings suggestions, as well as a free FDIC-insured Joy Savings Account — spending is, of course, also addressed. Each day, users are prompted to reflect on the money they’ve spent by identifying their purchases as “happy spends” or “sad spends.” Dr. Dunn explores the principles of happy and sad spending in her book Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending($15). According to Dr. Dunn, research shows that purchasing experiences (like trips or special dinners out) tends to make people happier than purchasing material things (like new furniture or gadgets).

“Since writing this book, I can’t reach for my wallet without asking myself, ‘Is this a happy spend?'” Dr. Dunn tells us. “In other words, will this purchase really make me happy? Engaging in this tiny mental exercise has been really helpful for me in directing more of my income to happy spends and less to sad spends — those that drain my bank account without leaving me feeling any happier.”

To help you get a better handle on this idea of happy and sad spending, here are a few examples from the Joy team:

Top Five happy spends:

1. Spotify

2. Netflix

3. Trader Joe’s

4. Whole Foods

5. Joy Savings (investing money in savings)

Top five sad spends:

1. McDonald’s

2. Taco Bell

3. 7-Eleven

4. Lyft

5. Uber

No matter how you choose to categorize the various expenses that come up in your own life, Joy’s methodology is intended to help you pay more attention to how your money is making you feel day to day — because, clearly, money can make you feel something.

“Traditionally, financial advisers are there for the big moments in life,” Dr. Dunn says. “Joy is there for the little moments in between, when you’re heading off for a Friday night out with friends or standing in line at Starbucks the next morning. And these seemingly small moments can play a surprisingly big role in shaping our overall happiness and our financial futures.”

And as for whether or not money really can buy you happiness? Dr. Dunn — who calls herself a “Happiness Czar” — had this to say: “Money can buy happiness — if you spend it right. For so long, the focus has been getting more money, but I think Joy helps to shift the focus back to where it belongs. How can we get the most happiness out of our money, whether we have a little or a lot of it?”

What are your happiest and saddest spends? Tweet us @BritandCo!

15 “Little Luxuries” Millennials Always Spend Money On, According To Reddit

As I grow older, I’ve come to appreciate the finer things in life. I’m no longer investing in things that don’t truly serve me, especially items that simply won’t last long-term. I’m certainly more particular about the clothes I buy (and even more so the materials they’re made of), and I often have to think twice or thrice before adding some silly little home decor to my cart. These days, I’m more likely to save my hard-earned money for life experiences like vacations and concerts, maintenance items like my car and bike, and a damn good night of dining out.

Past these, there are a handful of comfort purchases that are totally worth the money, according to a select group of millennial Redditors under r/Millennials. From luxury skincare products and high-end kitchenware to travel and sleep necessities, I’m truly amused by (and learning a lot from!) their responses to the question: As you’ve aged, what comfort/luxury items have you decided are worth the money?

Here are the little luxuries they buy every time.

What do millennials spend the most on?

Thirdman

Before digging into the little luxuries of it all, let's see what millennial spending habits look like in general! According to Investopedia, millennials are actually more "value-oriented" when they spend money — likely inspired by the 2008 financial crash and other unprecedented, major societal events. Since values are pretty subjective, that spending can translate in myriad of ways...including "doom spending" — or mindlessly shopping "to self-soothe because they feel pessimistic about the economy and their future" — according to CNBC.

The New York Times reported, "Millennials and Gen Z are more likely than older generations to make spending on a hobby or nonessential purchases a priority." This furthers the fact that instead of always spending towards a goal or an inherent need, millennials are looking for something more with their purchasing power. Opinions on these habits may vary, but one thing remains true: millennials want to use the money they do have to make their lives better.

Arthur Shuraev / PEXELS

1. Nonstop flights.

A few millennials agreed that spending the extra money for nonstop flights is very worth not having any kind of layover that could extend already-long travel days.

“Especially if traveling with children,” one person wrote. “Let The Journey end as quickly as possible.”

Bosch

2. Higher-end appliances.

Higher-end appliances seem popular among this millennial crowd because they have a slimmer chance of going kaput after a few years.

“I don’t want fancy bells and whistles,” one Redditor said. “I want the item to do [its] job and not crap out after 5-6 years.”

“It's the "smart" appliances that crap out quickly,” another person weighed in. “The more unnecessary buttons, the more unnecessary electronics, the more likely there is to be an issue.”

Some responders really love their Bosch appliances, like dishwashers, ovens, and more: “Bosch appliances for life. No frills but will run forever.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

3. Professional movers.

This one is quite self-explanatory: “Just save yourself the time and pain.” Amen!

Naturepedic

Naturepedic EOS Trilux Organic Latex Mattress

4. A really great mattress and pillows.

Several millennials noted that you’re likely to pay for back pain and other health issues down the line if you don’t invest in a good sleep set-up now. Many users responded that high-quality mattresses and pillows are their #1 ‘worth-it’ splurge.

“You spend 1/3rd of your life in that bed,” one person posted. “And if it's a shit one, it can and will slowly ruin your back and health.”

Sephora

5. Skincare.

Many skincare-focused users said that investing in skincare products that have a positive track record on their skin is also well worth it. Several users’ responses kickstarted a conversation about the best skincare ingredients to look into, especially with aging on the brain: SPF, tretinoin, vitamin C, retinol, and even Botox were mentioned.

A few more products were suggested in the thread were:

Amazon

Victorinox Grand Maitre Chef's Knife

6. Expensive (and sharp) kitchen knives.

A few Redditors said they’ve never once regretted their investment in luxe kitchen knives.

“I have a Victorinox chef’s knife that is my go-to and it was maybe $50 on Amazon. I’ve had it for years,” someone wrote. “Learning to sharpen knives properly is the key.”

“Also, [realizing] you don't need to buy a full knife block,” another person said. “Curating your knives based on the ones you actually [use] in your kitchen.”

Xtrema

Xtrema Versa Pan

7. High-end pots and pans.

Now this is some good advice!

“I find that more money spent on restaurant-quality cookware is worth it because I’m going on 25 years with the same sauce pans, stock pot, and skillets,” one user noted. “Non-stick sucks for everything but eggs and fish, but my cast iron works well enough for that as long as I can pay attention to what I’m doing. Don’t buy sets if you can afford good individual pieces.”

Pok Rie / PEXELS

8. Vacations.

Not only is a vacation one of the most popular comfort purchases among this particular group of millennials, making a vacation last at least one day longer seems to be the move, as it allows ample time for rest and recovery. Sometimes you just really need that extra day to get your mindset straight.

“An extra day off after I get home from my vacation,” someone wrote. “For some reason I need to have a vacation from my vacation before I go back to work.”

Brit + Co

9. A "bougie" gym

Going to the gym is usually a trying experience — you're exerting yourself physically, so why exert yourself mentally too? Instead of opting for the cheaper gyms that don't have as much to offer, some commenters note that the frills make their workout experience all the more worth it. One commenter straight up answered, “Paying for the bougie gym that’s got a sauna, cold plunge, and a good yoga instructor.”

Vlada Karpovich / PEXELS

10. Toilet paper.

It may seem subtle, but paying for higher-quality toilet paper can be a good boost to your everyday routine, according to some Reddit users.

A few commenters also praised the magic of having a bidet: “Best $150 I have ever spent is to [buy a] bidet attachment for my toilet.”

New Balance

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14

11. Shoes with good support.

“Cheap out on shoes? Pay for foot problems and back problems,” one Redditor wrote. And they’re not wrong!

I grew up with parents that wouldn’t pay for cheap shoes in hopes the more expensive ones would last much longer, and I’m glad I did. It’s a mindset I’ve adopted as I grow further into adulthood, buying shoes that aren’t only made of durable materials, but provide ample support for my arches.

Brit + Co

12. “Anything that makes my body hurt less.”

This is pretty self-explanatory, but let's be real: our bodies just hurt as we age. It's an annoying fact of life, but it doesn't have to be a permanent feeling. This commenter likes to buy whatever makes their "body hurt less," and I'd like to think that looks like a lot of things. It could be the comfy shoes we've mentioned, the high-end mattresses, and the likes of all that! It could be an epsom salt that just always relaxes their muscles. It could be really anything, really! But the priority is clear: comfort is seriously key, and spending money on that is certainly not a waste.

Sebastian Ervi / PEXELS

13. Sitting closer at concerts.

Standing for hours in the GA section is so exhausting, and I’m tired of pretending it’s not! A few users agreed splurging on the more-expensive sitting arrangements is way better than waking up with foot and back pain. Plus, the view can often be a lot more enjoyable!

“I'm always trying to get to the front for general admission shows, but when seating is involved, I'm committed to paying more to be closer,” one user posted.

Amazon

14. Non-toxic cleaning products.

One user said non-toxic cleaning products are their go-to comfort purchase worth spending regularly on.

“The toxic overload we experience is causing all kinds of endocrine disorders and cancer,” they wrote. “I make a lot of my own, but if I buy:"

Brit + Co

15. Coffee, chocolate, and cheese.

Knowing what you like — and what's important to you — can really help when you're prioritizing what to spend on. This millennial commented, “I never cheap out on coffee, chocolate or cheese. I’m not buying luxury items, but I will get the highest grade I can get in my regular grocery stores. The cheapest stuff just isn’t worth it.” Amen!

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Why Timothée Chalamet Abandoned “Good Friend” Austin Butler’s ‘Elvis’ Method For Bob Dylan Role

Austin Butler as Elvis, Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, and now Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan — there will never be enough biopics for me! (The real question is when are we going to get a Taylor Swift movie?). When pictures from the set of the new Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, hit Twitter, I had to do a double take because Timothée Chalamet looks so much like the musician I couldn't believe my eyes! You can watch the A Complete Unknown trailer here.

Timothée is going to be joined by Met Gala queen Elle Fanning, as well as Top Gun superstar Monica Barbaro. Here's everything you need to know about the movie — and our favorite Bob Dylan songs to listen to while you wait for its release.

Keep reading to see the latest updates from Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

Timothée Chalamet stars in A Complete Unknown, coming to theaters December 25, 2024.
He's joined by Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro.
The movie follows Bob Dylan's career in the 1960s as he rises to fame and later shifts from folk to rock'n'roll.

Did Timothée Chalamet take inspiration from Austin Butler’s Elvis?

Timothée Chalamet recently revealed that while he originally wanted to approach A Complete Unknown by taking direct inspiration from Bob Dylan, he quickly changed his tone...so to speak. "Somebody once said to me, you can't make a movie about a painter because it's not interesting to watch paint dry," he says in People's exclusive video. "Bob has that element because he's not one of these forward-facing musicians."

While Timmy saw Natalie Portman a sequence in Jackie "step-for-step exactly what Jackie did," and paid attention to "all this stuff that I saw my good friend Austin Butler crush it with on Elvis," he quickly realized "I gotta do none of this because this is not my style."

"Bob did not have a vocal coach," he continues. "He had two bottles of red wine and four packs of cigarettes. There's no way to impersonate that." One of my favorite things about biopics is seeing how a well-known actor portrays a recognizable figure. And you can see Timothée Chalamet's interpretation of Bob Dylan in theaters December 25!

Monica Barbaro Sings Her Heart Out

twitter.com

We got a look at Monica Barbaro as singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who was one of the first major artists in the 1960s to record Bob Dylan's music!

I was super impressed to learn Timothée showed up and sang live for the film. "It was important for me to play and sing on set because it was in the spirit of the movie to do it live," he says in a video from People. "Many of the artists through American pop culture that had the balls to turn their back on what was expected of them, that moment started with Bob. His words are relevant; 'Times They are A Changing' ' is relevant, 'Blowin' in the Wind' is relevant."

Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet In "A Complete Unknown"

twitter.com

Elle Fanning totally embodies the late '60s vibe in this fall outfit. The bold maroon blazer, the long straight hair, and the striped turtleneck — I love it all! Elle is starring this Bob Dylan movie as Sylvie Russo, a university student and artist Bob falls for in the '60s.

twitter.com

Thanks to some onset leaks, we also got a glimpse of the movie's version of The Freewheelin'! Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet look incredible as Sylvia Russo and Bob Dylan. I'm a sucker for any kind of recreation, so seeing this new version of the classic record cover is incredible!!

The First Pictures From Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan Movie

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Timothée Chalamet has totally transformed into Bob Dylan on the set of A Complete Unknown. And when I saw the pictures of Timothée carrying the guitar my jaw dropped!! He completely engrossed himself in Wonka and Dune 2 and I'm so excited to see him do the same for this Bob Dylan movie.

What is the movie about Bob Dylan called?

H. Thompson/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Plot

Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie is called A Complete Unknown. The movie filmed around New York City in the spring of 2024, and James Mangold is serving as director (you might recognize his name from Logan, Girl, Interrupted, and Walk the Line). The movie will cover the period during the 1960s when Bob Dylan shifted from folk to rock'n'roll, changing the face of pop culture (and culture in general, TBH), forever.

"When that movie finally comes out, people are going to be shocked because you're going to think you're hearing Bob Dylan sing," vocal coach Eric Vetro tells PEOPLE. "[Timothée Chalamet] just has this uncanny ability to not impersonate, but really breathe life into it. He's embodying Bob Dylan and what he was like at that age."

Who else is in A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet?

Amy Sussman/Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute

A Complete Unknown Cast

The A Complete Unknown cast is incredible! Alongside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, we'll see Top Gun: Maverick's Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax.

When is the Bob Dylan movie coming out?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Release Date

A Complete Unknown will hit theaters on December 25, 2024. And since Timothée Chalamet has been seen in turtlenecks, hats, and jackets on set, this sounds like the perfect cozy movie to me!

I always need some brand new music to listen to once the weather gets chilly, and I will for sure be listening to anything Timothée records.

What song did Bob Dylan write for a movie?

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for VH1

Bob Dylan wrote "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 movie Wonder Boys, which starred Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Katie Holmes. This Bob Dylan song ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Original Songand the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song!

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door," which is arguably the singer's most popular track, was released two months after the 1973 premiere of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid as a part of the film's soundtrack.

What are some other Bob Dylan songs to listen to?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

I totally agree that one of the best Bob Dylan songs is "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but "Blowin' In The Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" are also great songs to listen to if you're a new Bob Dylan fan. So far, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is my personal favorite song.

His style is the perfect blend of rock and folk that reminds me of summer picnics and walks in the woods. His sound also reportedly inspired Taylor Swift's Folklore!

What are you most excited to see in Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie A Complete Unknown? Check out our Facebook for more movie news!

This post has been updated.

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How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon

verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

audio books digital ready program entrepreneurs mindset online business podcast unexpected challenges verizon sponsorship women in business social media work money marketing career sponsored entrepreneur

Renée Zellwegger & Leo Woodall Prove Age Gaps Are Sexy In 'Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy' Trailer

If you're a rom-com fan who also can't get enough of Jane Austen's books, you've probably seen the Bridget Jones movies. The story (which is loosely based on Pride & Prejudice) follows the titular Bridget Jones, a 30-something who sets out on a mission to improve herself over the course of a year while she looks for a partner. And, in true romantic movie form, she keeps a diary the whole time. Not only can we rewatch the original trilogy as many times as we want, but we're also getting a fourth movie! Here's everything we know about Bridget Jones 4.