Why We Buy: The Psychology Behind “Catching Up”

How many of you have ever felt the need to buy something simply because you couldn’t have it when you were younger? Don’t worry — you’re far from alone on this one. I’ve been there too.

For me, it was shoes. That’s why you probably see them mentioned more than a few times across The Urban Profit’s platforms. When I was younger, neither I nor my parents always had the means to grab those new pairs of Jordans or Air Force 1s when they dropped. I remember sitting on the school bus after release day, stomach in knots every time I saw someone rocking them. I’d be equal parts impressed and confused — like, how did they get them and still make it to school on time?

And of course, they were the talk of the hallway:

“Daaang, those are cold!”
“You clean in those, bro!”

I always wanted that feeling. But why? Was it the attention they got? The style itself? Whatever the reason, one thing was clear in my young mind: When I get my own money, I’m buying those shoes.

And I did. Once I got a job and my own income, I bought as many pairs as I could get my hands on. The funny thing? Most of those same hype pairs I couldn’t wait to have are now sitting in my closet collecting dust.

I still wear some here and there, but as I’ve grown older, one thing has become clear: I care more about looking nice than what brand I’m wearing. Even back then, it wasn’t really about the logo — I just liked looking put together.

But that mindset — that psychology — has stuck with me. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, shoes, especially premium Nikes and Jordans, aren’t cheap. And my current self still shakes his head at how much money I could’ve invested instead — money that would’ve given my future self a lot more comfort.

Back in middle and high school, I wasn’t thinking about stocks or investing. Keeping it a buck, I didn’t start caring about investing until my mid-20s. But what if I had? What if we could change that narrative — for ourselves, our families, and our future generations?

As we grow and get wiser with money, we realize that yes, we can treat ourselves — but we don’t have to do it every time. These days, when a new Jordan release hits, I might say, “Okay, those White Cement 3s? I could still use those in the rotation.” But I’m no longer moved by social media hype or the “I’m buying these because I couldn’t before” mindset that used to have me in a chokehold.

Now, I understand instant gratification — and more importantly, I understand what truly makes me happy in the long run.

Recently, I traveled to St. Maarten with my wife and family. The views, the food, the experiences — they were worth far more than any pair of shoes. And while those trips still cost money, they’re planned for. I had more to put toward that trip because I saved and budgeted, instead of buying every sneaker I thought looked good at the mall.

Having a clear understanding of what truly makes you happy changes the way you move with money. I’d much rather save, invest, and plan — knowing that discipline creates freedom. That freedom allows me and my family to do what makes us genuinely happy, and do it comfortably.

There’s no better feeling than enjoying a vacation knowing your bills are paid, your savings are growing, your investments are compounding, and you still have money to grab a souvenir — or that duty-free bottle you can’t get in the States, lol.

That’s the purpose behind The Urban Profit: to help you reach that same level of comfort and clarity. And here’s the truth — you don’t need to be a millionaire to get there.

Now don’t get me wrong — I want everyone who follows this platform to build the discipline that does lead to millionaire status one day. The goal is always to make your money multiply and work for you. But in the meantime, you can still enjoy life — the key is learning what actually brings you joy.

Spoiler alert: that new pair of shoes, heels, or bag might make you happy for a moment, but it won’t last. Especially when it ends up in the back of your closet — just like the ones you forgot about before.

At the end of the day, money should work for you — not the other way around. The sooner we stop trying to fill old voids with new purchases, the sooner we start building the kind of wealth that lasts.

True wealth isn’t loud. It’s peace of mind. It’s walking through life knowing your bills are paid, your savings are growing, and your future self is grateful for the choices you’re making today. That’s real flex energy.

So before you swipe that card or hit “Add to Cart,” take a second and ask yourself: Will this make me happy for the moment, or for the long run? Because that’s where the shift begins — from impulse to intention, from consumer to creator, from looking rich… to living free.

And that’s exactly what The Urban Profit is about — helping you build not just money, but meaning. Encouraging you to make every dollar, every choice, and every moment count toward the kind of freedom you deserve. Because wealth isn’t just what you have — it’s how you live.