A study conducted by the online shopping portal Ebates, offers an interesting insight into what people do when it comes to retail therapy.

The survey of 1,000 people, both men and women, “found more than half (51.8%) of Americans shop and spend money to improve their mood, including 63.9% of women and 39.8% of men. One out of three (39.2%) American women believe retail therapy improves a person’s mood compared to one out of five (20.6%) American men.”

What is equally as interesting is what people are actually purchasing to improve their moods.

From a man’s perspective, I have to agree with the findings that men most typically purchase food when feeling down. I look at my personal spending habits, and I really stopped “investing” in personal items. During my single days, I spent quite a bit of money on all kinds of items that were really a form of retail therapy for me, because I did not have what I was missing, a wife and family. Today, speaking as a father and husband, I personally invest in them. I much rather spend money on necessities and experiences that enhance all of our lives.

What do you find yourself purchasing as retail therapy?

Save Money, Travel More!

Source: Men’s Health (September 2013)