Is Social Media Draining Your Wallet? How to Break the Spending Cycle | Todd Christensen

Is social media quietly draining your wallet? 💸 In this eye-opening episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala Evans and Todd Christensen, financial educator and author of Everyday Money for Everyday People, dive into the digital spending trap millions of Americans fall into every day. From flashy ads and influencer “must-haves” to sneaky algorithms designed to trigger impulse buys, social media isn’t just shaping what we see—it’s shaping how we spend.

Todd unpacks the psychology of online spending, the emotional triggers behind impulse purchases, and simple ways to become a more mindful consumer. He also discusses how ads, influencers, and algorithms are shaping what we see — and how we can drive change. He breaks down how to spot manipulative algorithms, and the small shifts that can help you take control.

Kembala also hits the streets to hear real voices on how social media affects their spending habits. And later, Paula in Canada, joins to shares her buying based on social media ads experience. You’ll also hear a powerful real-world story about her smart $200 makeup purchase to a dress that turned into a cautionary tale. 

Kembala wraps with an FTC alert on the $1.9 billion lost to social-media scams, plus actionable tips to protect your wallet and your peace of mind from scammers online. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Awareness breaks the cycle. Recognize your spending triggers and how social media works.
2. “Buy Now, Pay Later” isn’t your friend. Todd’s theme-park analogy reveals why instant gratification leads to long-term regret.
3. Curate your feed. Unfollow the noise and follow accounts that uplift, educate, and empower.
4. Have a spending plan. This isn’t a restriction — it’s direction.
5. Pay yourself first. Save money in a different account.
6. Protect yourself from scams. Research sellers, use credit cards for protection, and question “too-good-to-be-true” deals.
7. Scroll with purpose, not impulse. Mindful scrolling saves both your money and your mental space.

Resources:

1. Book - Everyday Money for Everyday People by Todd Christensen
2. Money Fit Online - MoneyFit.org, X and Facebook
3. FTC Social Media Scam Alert

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