How to Break the Buy-and-Replace Trap

如何打破买换陷阱

WSJ Your Money Briefing

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2025-05-22

9 分钟
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单集简介 ...

The constant urge to buy the next new thing can drain your wallet. Wall Street Journal contributor Jeff Galak joins host Imani Moise to explain how to break the cycle and save money along the way.  Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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单集文稿 ...

  • Here's your Money Briefing for Thursday, May 22nd.

  • I'm Imani Moise for The Wall Street Journal.

  • We've all been there.

  • It's easy to convince yourself that that shiny new gadget, living room upgrade,

  • or new car with that fresh leather smell is technically an investment when you first buy them.

  • But odds are you'll be eyeing a new version long before you get your money's worth.

  • That's the treadmill where we're just constantly chasing our tails,

  • looking for the next thing to make us happy.

  • That's fine if you can afford it.

  • But unfortunately, the reality of the world is that most of us have budget constraints.

  • This cycle of consumption, buying, replacing,

  • and then buying again can take a real toll on our wallets.

  • So how do we break free?

  • We'll talk with Wall Street Journal contributor Jeff Gallick about how to trick your brain into being happy with what you already have.

  • That's after the break.

  • Buying new things makes us happy.

  • But for how long?

  • Research shows that we tend to get bored with our things before they actually need to be replaced.

  • A recent Wall Street Journal article outlined ways to beat boredom,

  • boost happiness, and save money along the way.