Salary I Saved. Bonus I Spent. The Mental Trick That Cost Me Thousands.
Every euro was identical. But I treated them differently. Salary I saved. Bonus I spent. Same money, same account, same person.
What you'll learn
- What mental accounting is
- Why identical euros get different rules
- How to give bonus money a better job
Salary I Saved. Bonus I Spent. The Mental Trick That Cost Me Thousands.
The money was identical
A euro from salary and a euro from a bonus have the same purchasing power.
Mental accounting
People divide money into categories and apply different rules to each.
The bonus felt different
Bonus money can feel like a reward, making spending easier.
The same-account test
Removing the source label exposes the artificial distinction.
Give windfalls a job
Decide what happens to bonus money before the bonus arrives.
The Bonus Wasn't Really Extra Money
The deeper Mike Petry Journal essay connected to Episode 17, exploring the idea behind the episode from the perspective of money, behaviour and financial freedom.
Read the essay on Mike Petry Journal →What is Episode 17 about?
Every euro was identical. But I treated them differently. Salary I saved. Bonus I spent. Same money, same account, same person.
What mental accounting is
A euro from salary and a euro from a bonus have the same purchasing power.
Why identical euros get different rules
People divide money into categories and apply different rules to each.
Educational and entertainment content only. This page is not financial advice. Do your own research or speak with a qualified professional before making financial decisions.