In recent years, digital payments have become part of everyday life and have almost completely replaced the use of cash for the most common purchases. Using a credit card at the supermarket may seem harmless, but RFM warns that this common habit is affecting many families’ budgets without them realizing it. According to the Portuguese radio station, the way the brain reacts to “paying later” can lead to spending more than necessary.
The main problem is the perception of spending. When payment is made by card, the emotional impact is less and the brain interprets the expense as less “real”. Such behavior leads to a false sense of control, causing many people to spend without evaluating the impact on the budget.
Psychological effect of “pay later”
According to the same source, those who pay in cash tend to spend up to 30% less than those who use a credit card. The reason is simple: seeing money leaving your wallet creates a natural brake and encourages more rational decisions.
On the contrary, digital payment postpones the perception of loss and fuels impulse consumption. This difference is widely documented by researchers in the field of financial behavior, who associate the excessive use of cards with an increase in personal debts, says the source cited above.
Furthermore, frequent use of credit can distort the notion of what is an essential expense and what is a luxury.
Simple habits that make a difference
For day-to-day expenses, such as supermarkets, fuel or coffee, the recommendation is clear: opt for cash or debit card. Thus, account control becomes more direct and transparent. Another strategy is to only take the amount necessary for shopping, avoiding temptations and hasty decisions.
In countries like Finland, where the use of digital payments is almost total, authorities have reinforced financial literacy programs to alert the population to these risks.
Lessons from Northern Europe
The Finnish example shows that technology can make life easier, but it also requires more awareness in consumption. According to , the ease of paying with a simple tap or swipe of a card can hide a silent danger: the growing debt of families.
Therefore, educational programs and public campaigns seek to balance technological advancement with financial responsibility. The goal is to ensure that convenience does not replace common sense.
In a context of inflation and high prices, small changes in behavior can have a big impact at the end of the month. Controlling card use is one of these measures.
Every euro counts
Saving starts with small decisions, repeated every day. Paying with cash or debit card is a practical way to keep track of what you spend and avoid unpleasant surprises on your bill. Knowing how much you spend and how you spend it is the first step towards a balanced budget and a more peaceful financial life.
Also read:
