The splurges people regret most, according to financial planners

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• Regretful purchases often include items that quickly lose value or lack sentimentality.
• Experiences and meaningful purchases provide lasting value and are less likely to cause regret.
• Aligning spending with personal values and budgeting can make splurges more rewarding.

Treating yourself every now and then is part of enjoying life, but not all splurges are worth the price. While an occasional indulgence can bring joy and enhance your quality of life, many purchases don't stand the test of time. In fact, nonessential spending often leads to regret rather than reward.

We spoke to financial experts about the purchases people most often regret — and what they found to be most worth it.

The most regretful purchases are usually "things"

When it comes to regretful purchases, consumers tend to have buyer's remorse surrounding products that quickly depreciate in value or have little sentimental value. Think: a brand-new car, a designer handbag, or the latest tech gadget you had to have, but barely use now.

"To me, one of the biggest splurges people regret that I come across would be buying new cars," said Brenton Harrison, CFP® professional and financial advisor at New Money New Problems. "The problem with it is you're never gonna get what you paid for a car back in return, so I come across a lot of people who end up regretting it."

Even smaller splurges, like late-night food delivery or clothing hauls, can pile up and leave people feeling unsatisfied. There comes a point where items feel more like useless clutter taking up space than meaningful additions to your everyday life.

"We get a dopamine hit when we experience something new, like when the package arrives and we use a new item for the first time, but then the dopamine wears off," explains Joy Slabaugh, CFP® professional, financial therapist, and educator.

Splurges that are worth your money

Not all splurges come with buyer's remorse, or a hefty price tag.

"I would say the most valuable splurges are experiences where clients get to connect with people, usually people that they care about," said Slabaugh. "That can be as extravagant as a weekend in Montauk with their family… or as simple as they made a cake and invited their friends and family over."

Harrison agreed that experiences tend to leave the most lasting impact. "Even if you wish you spent less, people end up appreciating the experience itself," he said. "I don't really see people regret experiences."

Common factors like lifestyle creep or FOMO (fear of missing out) can lead to overspending on things that feel necessary in the moment but don't provide lasting value. Understanding what makes a splurge truly worth it is the first step toward spending more intentionally. That's why learning to evaluate purchases through a lens of purpose and personal fulfillment is essential.

How to determine whether a splurge is worth it

Determining whether a splurge is truly "worth it" often comes down to personal values and how the purchase fits into your broader financial picture. Financial experts say that aligning your spending with what matters most to you can determine what splurges are most worthwhile.

Another way to assess whether something is worth the money is by asking reflective questions before making the purchase.

"When it comes to the things that you put aside money for, I try to ask: 'What's the purpose of this? What are you hoping to get out of this?'" said Harrison. "That way, people can take a step back before they spend and have a better perspective on its value. Are you doing this because it adds value to your life, or because of FOMO? It might not make sense to everyone, but it can still make sense for you."

Budgeting for splurges

Splurges don't have to eat into your budget when you create space for discretionary spending within it. Consider setting up savings accounts with buckets for specific goals like a weekend getaway, a shopping spree, or a new gadget. This method allows you to allocate different amounts to different categories, so you can save for each goal without mixing them up.

For short-term savings, opening a high-yield savings account (HYSA) is a great option, as it offers higher interest rates than regular savings accounts while keeping your funds liquid and easy to access when you're ready to splurge. For long-term goals, saving in certificates of deposit (CDs) provides a higher interest rate than high-yield savings accounts, but they are better suited for larger, longer-term purchases.

Budgeting apps can also help you stay on track by categorizing your expenses and setting spending limits for each area. Apps like Monarch Money allow you to create infinite savings goals and track your progress, while Rocket Money helps you monitor subscriptions and reduce spending.

Regularly reviewing these budgets will give you a clearer picture of where you can afford to splurge and ensure your purchases align with both your values and long-term financial plans.