FOMO vs. JOMO: Finding Financial Peace This Thanksgiving Season

Your FOMO is on the Menu 🦃 

The Hidden Cost of Holiday Hustle

FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is the itchy feeling that makes you:

• Buy the overpriced concert ticket “just because everyone’s going.”

• Book the unaffordable trip home even though you just visited

• Say “yes” to every Secret Santa and gift exchange

We’ve all had our encounters with FOMO, but this is why it works so well on us: Ever been the person not invited to a party that everyone else was? That sinking feeling in your stomach is exactly what FOMO preys on. It taps into the deep-seated worry that everyone else is having more fun, living better lives, or creating memories you’re not part of. So we say “yes” to everything, trying to cram in every experience… only to end up exhausted, overwhelmed, and broke.

But here’s the thing… that FOMO spending comes with a massive “side dish” of stress. It’s the financial indigestion that shows up weeks after the pumpkin pie is gone—the bills that kill your post-holiday vibe.

Trying to keep up with the holiday Joneses (or the Kardashians, or the Gossip Girl crew) is like playing an expensive, exhausting game you never meant to sign up for.

The Main Course: A Slice of JOMO 🍰 

Why You Should Seriously Consider Giving JOMO a shot

I totally get it—”joy of missing out” at first glance and maybe even third glance sounds like some poopy consolation prize or participation medal. Like when your Mom said, “We have food at home,” while your friends went out for ice cream. But stick with me here.

JOMO feels like that moment when you cancel plans you were dreading and suddenly have a free evening. That wave of relief? That’s JOMO. It’s choosing a cozy, intimate “Friendsgiving” with your favorite people instead of maxing out a credit card to impress relatives you see once a year.

Here’s why it works: When you stop chasing every single holiday experience, something magical happens. The things you do choose become more meaningful. That one party you actually wanted to attend? You’ll be fully present instead of checking your phone for the next invite (or checking the weather, HAHA). The modest gift you carefully picked? It carries more weight than a dozen panic-bought presents.

Think of JOMO as finally being the main character in your own life story, instead of being a stressed-out extra running between scenes in someone else’s movie.

Your JOMO Feast: A 3-Course Recipe for Financial Peace 🍽️ 

Practical “Mindset Dishes” to Serve Yourself

Appetizer: The “Gratitude Inventory” 🧾 
The Recipe: Before any non-essential purchase, quickly list 3 things you’re grateful for that money can’t buy. This resets your brain from “lack” to “abundance” faster than you can say “second helping.”

Main Course: The “Selective Yes” Platter 👍️ 
The Recipe: Give yourself permission to RSVP “no, thank you!” to anything that drains your energy and wallet. Here’s the beautiful part: every intentional “no” makes your “yeses” more meaningful. When you stop saying yes to everything, you suddenly have the clarity and resources to fully enjoy the things that truly light you up.

Dessert: The “Values vs. Vanity” Check ✨ 
The Recipe: Ask one simple question: “Will I remember this purchase in a month?” If it’s for a genuine connection or something you’ll truly use for years, go for it. If it’s for showing off or temporary validation? Your future self will thank you for passing on it.

Your Leftovers of Wisdom (They Reheat Well!)

Here’s your simple game plan:

1. Spot the FOMO: Notice when you’re spending out of pressure, not genuine desire

2. Serve Yourself JOMO: Choose the peace of missing out on things that would cause financial stress

3. Feast on Your Values: Use the “Gratitude Inventory” and “Values Check” as your spending guides

Wrapping It Up