Is it normal to fear and feel guilty about spending money?

I do the same thing. I feel bad even if I buy a pack of gum haha.

I am the same way. I actually found this because I was researching this feeling.

I recently went to the mall with my family: mom, dad, little sister, and fiance. I went into FYE and the fiance and I looked around. He suggested I buy something for myself because apparently I never do? Then he wouldn't let me leave the store until I bought something I had oohed and aahed over. Later that day I had to go to walmart to buy some more pants since it's starting to get cold and my favorite pair ripped badly. I also bought a couple of shirts and some boxers for the fiance. By the time I got out of the store and into the car I was reduced to tears because I had felt like I spent so much money even though it was only $50.

I can't buy ANYTHING without feeling guilty about it....

I know how you feel! Or sometimes I will buy something and feel guilty about spending that much, eventhough it's really not a lot of money...

Well you already said yourself the name of this phobia so I think you know the answer to this question. I think it's normal, but don't force yourself to buy useless garbage just because you think that you have to. I often have buyers remorse. When I bought my laptop, a thing that I greatly needed, I felt bad for days and wanted to return it. I think many people get that way when they spend money that they are unsure of gaining again. Be thrifty, use your money wisely, and you should be fine. If you don't NEED it then don't feel bad about not buying it. You can cause yourself a lot of anxiety if you force yourself to buy just for the hell of it, and in this economy, you might be grateful that you do conciously watch your spending. Good Luck!

~Peace~

i can sympathize with this phobia and it's certainly not completely irrational as there is some logical basis for it. i would much rather prefer to save and invest compared to spending especially gratuitously.

I feel guilty too, as they say, money dosent grow on trees, but you will need to spend some money on essential supplies- no need to feel guilty about that.

wel i dont feel this way often cause my parents spend money on me(no im not spoiled)but i have to buy other things like this ipod touch. This is actually my second one i bought cause i lost the first.