Spaving: The Smart Way to Save Money on Your Next Project

Trying to save money by spending more is a trap we’ve all fallen into. You’ve seen the ads: “Buy one, get one.” “Free shipping on $75+.” “Sale ends at midnight.” These deals make you feel like you’re scoring a deal — but chances are, you’re spending money you didn’t plan to spend.

That’s the heart of spaving — spending under the illusion of saving. Those unplanned “deals” might look harmless, but they quietly pull money away from your real goals, like paying down debt, building your emergency fund, taking that well-earned vacation, or investing.

At WorkMoney, we help you cut through the marketing noise so your money stays where it belongs — with you. Our mission is to show how clever sales tactics turn good intentions into overspending, and how you can flip that script.

What Is Spaving and Why Do We Fall for It?

“Spaving” is a blend of “spending” and “saving.” It happens when you spend a little extra at checkout just to score a discount or freebie. Retailers use this tactic to make you feel like you’re coming out ahead — but most of the time, it just means you’re spending more than you planned. One of the most common traps is the classic “buy one, get one” (BOGO) deal.

Other examples include:

• Adding extra items to your cart to hit the “free shipping” minimum

• Buying a second item for half off when you only needed one

• Upgrading to a “discounted bundle” even though the basic plan worked just fine

The Psychology Behind the Trap

Why does it feel good to “spave”? Because marketing taps directly into our emotions — scarcity (“limited-time offer”), fear of missing out (FOMO), and the thrill of “winning.” When you score a deal, your brain releases dopamine, creating a brief rush that feels rewarding — and retailers know it.

One financial report describes spaving as “a dangerous game” where discounts disguise themselves as savings and quietly pull money away from your goals. But this isn’t about blame or shame. It’s about awareness, and understanding your own triggers so you can stay in control before another “can’t-miss” sale gets the best of you.

The Real Cost of Spaving

Small extras add up fast. Each “small win” at checkout can quietly drain hundreds of dollars a year — money that could build your emergency fund or chip away at credit card balances.

In fact, one Capital One Shopping study found that shoppers who use coupons or chase discounts spend about 24% more per order than those who don’t. That can add up to hundreds or more in extra spending each year. 

Many experts recommend saving at least 3–6 months of living expenses. But if those dollars keep slipping away into “deals,” that safety net will never happen.

• If you're on a tight budget, spaving might mean missing essentials or relying on credit.

• For others, it slows progress toward long-term financial goals.

Whether you're spending more at checkout or missing savings deposits, the result’s the same — less progress and more financial stress.

How to Spot When You’re Spaving

Spaving shows up in more ways than you might think. The key is learning to recognize the signs — and spotting the retail tricks that quietly chip away at your budget.

When you start paying closer attention to your own spending patterns, the traps become easy to spot. Here are some common spaving tactics to watch out for:

The Free Shipping Trap (and How It Hooks You)

You add an item you don’t need just to hit a minimum, and end up spending more than the shipping fee would’ve cost.

The BOGO Blind Spot (Why It Feels Like a Win)

“Buy one, get one” or “Buy two, get one free” deals convince you that more is better. But if one item sits unused, you’ve effectively wasted your “savings.”

The 50% Off Lure (Why It Feels Too Good to Pass Up)

Those “spend more, save more” deals — like “Buy the second one for half off” or “Get 50% off when you spend $150” — sound like a steal. But if you only needed one item or planned to spend less, that “deal” just pushed you to buy more than you planned.

The Coupon Excuse (How Apps Nudge You to Spend More)

Coupons and rewards apps keep you shopping to chase points or discounts. They make it feel like you’re saving — when you’re actually increasing your total spend.

Spaving isn’t saving — it’s marketing disguised as getting more money out of your pocket.

Your Quick Checklist: Spaving vs. Saving

Use this cheat sheet before you hit “Add to Cart.” Hint - if the middle column feels familiar, you might be spaving.

Smarter Ways to Save

Smart savings isn’t about finding the best deal — it’s about spending on purpose in a way that doesn’t harm your finances or take away from your goals. Here’s how you can stop spaving without feeling deprived:

• Create a shopping list before sales. Decide what you genuinely need and set a spending limit before you browse.

• Use the 24-hour pause rule. When you find something tempting, wait one day. If it’s not essential, the impulse fades. 

• Redirect “almost-spent” money. Move that $40 you “almost spent” into your emergency fund or debt payment.

• Unsubscribe from sale emails. Marketers use urgency to keep you shopping. Fewer notifications mean fewer spending triggers.

• Track your spending weekly. Keep an eye on your progress with a budget app or notebook. The Bank of America Better Money Habits guide shows how consistent tracking builds awareness and confidence.

These steps allow you to flip the script so that instead of spending money to save, you start saving money to build the future you truly want.

Final Thoughts

Saving isn’t about chasing deals or stacking discounts — it’s about using your money to reach your goals. The next time a “sale” alert tempts you, ask: “Does this help me get where I want to go?” If not, pause and redirect that money toward real progress.

At WorkMoney, we’re here to help you keep more of what you earn — and use it to build the life you want. So you'll have the power to spend with purpose, and keep more of your money where it belongs.