Badass vs Dumbass
Master your Financial Kung Fu to be one and not the other.
👉Go to Sifu’s Notebook for The Treat Brain Trap: Pros, Cons, and How to Stay in Control Like a Boss
Primer: Who are Sifu & Ronin
Episode 46: Ronin Needs a Hit!
Ronin: Sifu! Why does my brain keep telling me that I deserve a little treat every time I pass a coffee shop? Is this the universe rewarding me for existing?
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Sifu: Ha! That is your “treat brain” at work—an insatiable little beast. Just for fun, let’s call it “Gumby”.
Ronin: Hahaha! One of my favorite characters from my childhood – no wonder I want to constantly feed it – like a pet!
Treat Brain: The Dopamine Hit
Sifu: Makes total sense, #1. Gumby craves dopamine, the neurotransmitter of joy. Every small purchase gives you a hit, like a mouse pressing a button for cheese.
Ronin: So, you’re telling me I’m just a rat in the maze of capitalism, chasing espresso instead of cheddar.
Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash
Sifu: If you are not careful, these small indulgences will drain your savings faster than a leaky faucet. FIRE demands discipline, not lattes.
Savings? Never Heard of Her
Ronin: Okay boss, but seriously, how much damage can a daily joe do? I mean, it’s a small price for my sanity, right?
Sifu: Imagine this: $8 a day is $240 a month or almost $3,000 a year, which could be invested and compounded over time. Instead, you’re paying to temporarily pacify Gumby while your future self watches in absolute horror from the sidelines. You a fan of “It” or something, son?
Ronin: Pfffft, no man! Horror flicks scare the shit out of me. I’ll stick with Rom-Com’s, thank you! Future me can chill out. He’s probably sitting on a beach, sipping a piña colada. Oh wait, he can’t afford one because he spent all his money on gourmet lattes. Dang!
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash
Sifu: Bingo Bango boy! Gumby, as cute and entertaining as he is, will rob you blind, one small purchase at a time. You must balance indulgence with saving, or else piña coladas will only exist in your daydreams.
Ronin: So it’s a double whammy? I’m drinking overpriced wakey juice and depriving myself of sunset elixirs when I retire!
Compounding: The Long Game
Ronin: Ok ok, I get it, Master. But what’s a little treat every now and then? It’s not like I’m draining my bank account.
Sifu: Every dollar you spend on small pleasures is a dollar that could be working for you. Compounding interest is the eighth wonder of the world. Meanwhile, Gumby delays your ticket to financial independence.
Ronin: Oh crap. Are you saying “Treat Yo’ Self” mornings are dead?
Sifu: Hmmm. I’m in no way suggesting you don’t deserve rewards for being disciplined in your FIRE journey. Maybe think of it this way. Gumby needs to be fed – I get that. Perhaps don’t overfeed that guy. Imagine stuffing him with everything he wants to eat and drink. What happens to him?
Ronin: Well dude. Gumby is made of flexible clay, so I think his belly would blow up like a balloon and then he would explode!
Sifu: Who said you were a dumbass? Oh wait … that was me! Hahaha. You hit the nail on the head. Gumby is no good to you if you kill him, my man!
Ronin: Dead Gumby?? Noooooooo!
Avoiding Frugal Fatigue with Balance
Ronin: So, what about “frugal fatigue”? If I put Gumby on a diet of cold-water sandwiches, I’ll end up snapping and blowing my entire retirement fund on a 800 horsepower racecar. Hee-hee.
Sifu: Balance is key. You can indulge Gumby occasionally, but only if it doesn’t sabotage your FIRE progress. Think of it like a controlled burn—a small flame that keeps the forest from becoming a raging inferno.
Ronin: Oy! Gumby doesn’t play with real fire. My little man would dissolve into a pool of green mud. Not cool, bro! But I get your drift. Gumby gets a treat every now and then, and within my budget. Win-win, right boss?
Sifu: Very wise for such a dingdong dumbass, Ronin.
Ronin: Easy … easy. I have feelings, bro.
Sifu: Hahaha. Opt for low-cost rewards. You’ll feel indulged without the financial hangover.
Ronin: Roger that. I’ll treat myself to a $2 donut instead of a $8 hit of caffeine. My budget is officially saved. Yee-haw!
Sifu: Excellent, Hos. It seems you figured out how to keep your best friend, Gumby, happy without blowing that sucker up!
Ronin: Yes sir! Hey, maybe I’ll just train Gumby to enjoy free things—like air, sunlight, and…uh…compliments from strangers.
Sifu: Wow, next level ingenuity, #1. What do you want beside the “A”? I know, I know – loaded poutine for lunch … on me, right?
Ronin: A gentleman and a scholar – you da man, boss!
Sifu: Don’t you forget it, Pokey.
Ronin: Hahaha!
Sifu’s Notebook
The Treat Brain Trap: Pros, Cons, and How to Stay in Control Like a Boss
“Treat brain” is a growing trend, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, where people indulge in small, often frivolous purchases that give them a quick mood boost. The concept is rooted in neuroscience—these little treats release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and happiness. While treating yourself has its benefits, it’s important to recognize that it also comes with potential downsides. Let’s break down the pros and cons of “treat brain.”
Pros of Treat Brain
1. Quick Dopamine Boost
- Pro: Small treats trigger the brain to release dopamine, which helps improve mood and provide a burst of happiness.
- Result: This boost can be particularly helpful during stressful times or when motivation is low.
2. Adds Joy to Daily Routine
- Pro: Little indulgences break up the monotony of everyday life and introduce small moments of excitement.
- Example: Something as simple as a fancy coffee or a new gadget can make an ordinary day feel special.
3. Improves Productivity
- Pro: Using small rewards as incentives can motivate you to finish tasks, overcome challenges, or stay focused.
- Example: A planned treat after completing a tough project can push you through moments of low energy or boredom.
4. Mindful Self-Care
- Pro: Treat brain encourages you to recognize what brings you joy and prioritize self-care in a balanced way.
- Result: Small, intentional treats help you practice self-compassion without feeling guilty.
5. Stress Relief
- Pro: A small indulgence can reduce stress or anxiety by giving you something enjoyable to focus on.
- Example: Whether it’s a new accessory or a tasty dessert, taking a break from the hustle of daily life can help refresh your mind.
6. Doesn’t Require Big Spending
- Pro: Unlike retail therapy, treat brain doesn’t involve splurging on expensive items. The focus is on manageable, low-cost pleasures.
- Example: Spending $5 on a coffee or a book doesn’t break the bank, but still brings a sense of reward.
7. Encourages Positive Behavior
- Pro: Small rewards reinforce good habits, such as reaching goals, finishing tasks, or staying on top of responsibilities.
- Example: Rewarding yourself with a small treat after exercising can build positive reinforcement.
Cons of Treat Brain
1. Risk of Overindulgence
- Con: While small treats can boost your mood, indulging too frequently can lead to overspending and financial stress.
- Result: The line between occasional rewards and excessive treating can blur, especially if you’re not mindful of your budget.
2. Temporary Happiness
- Con: The dopamine hit from a treat is fleeting, providing only short-term satisfaction without addressing underlying stress or unhappiness.
- Result: Relying on frequent treats for happiness can create a cycle where you constantly need more to feel good.
3. Encourages Instant Gratification
- Con: Regularly indulging in treat brain can train you to seek instant gratification rather than long-term fulfillment.
- Result: It may make it harder to delay rewards for bigger achievements, potentially leading to impulsive decisions.
4. Can Distract from Bigger Goals
- Con: Treat brain might make you feel like you’re taking care of yourself, but it can distract from more meaningful, long-term self-care strategies.
- Example: Instead of saving for a vacation or a big purchase, you might fritter away money on small, unimportant things.
5. Creates a Habit of Consumption
- Con: Frequent small purchases can foster a habit of consumption that emphasizes buying things to feel good, rather than finding happiness in non-material ways.
- Result: This habit could make it harder to enjoy life without buying something.
6. Social Media Influence
- Con: Platforms like TikTok often promote treat brain as a form of self-care, which can make it easy to compare your life to others and feel pressure to buy unnecessary items.
- Result: This can lead to FOMO, as you’re tempted to follow trends.
Final Thought: Is Treat Brain Worth It?
“Treat brain” has its upsides, like providing a quick boost of happiness and helping you stay motivated. However, it’s important to find balance. While occasional indulgences can improve your mood and well-being, overindulgence or mindless spending can create new challenges, such as financial strain or a reliance on instant gratification. Keep your treats small, intentional, and mindful to maximize the benefits without falling into the traps of overspending or temporary happiness.
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This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered Financial or Legal Advice. Not all information will be accurate. Consult a financial professional before making any significant financial decisions.
