Financial Influencer Genesis Hinckley: Ask Why Before You Buy
Written by
Caitlyn Moorhead
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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If you see something you want you simply put it in your physical cart or add it to your online one and at the click of a button or swipe of your credit card, it’s yours in an instant. However, just because it is easy to spend your money doesn’t mean you should every time you have an impulse.
In fact, according to Genesis Hinckley, a well-known personal finance influencer, entrepreneur and advocate for smart spending, there’s one crucial question you should always ask before making any purchase.
Genesis Hinckley: ‘Why am I Making This Financial Decision?’
Hinckley believes this simple but powerful act of questioning the purpose of why you are making any financial choice helps you make the right one. By buying things that don’t add value to your life, not only are you spending unwisely but also taking away your ability to save or invest, which is a detriment to your future.
To not confuse temporary desires with genuine needs, Hinckley said to ask yourself the following. “So I would prompt you to think and process, ‘Why am I making this financial decision? Is it for them? Or is if for me?’ Most of the time it’s for them. And why would you put yourself into debt for them?”
This straightforward notion forces you to pause and evaluate your spending habits. This question forces you to dig deeper into the impulse behind a purchase. For example, if you are buying something out of a momentary craving or boredom it probably won’t provide lasting benefits.
Instant Gratification vs. Long-Term Financial Goals
One of the biggest challenges you can face today as a consumer is the temptation of instant gratification. In a world where online shopping and same-day delivery make everything immediately accessible, it’s easy to justify purchases that may not align with your long-term goals. Hinckley said this question acts as a safeguard against falling into that trap and goes on to give an example of unnecessary luxury spending.
“It is so unnecessary and probably one of the worst financial decisions you can make to buy a car and get a car loan. Most people who buy luxury items, especially on loans are simply doing it for the external validation. The people that are impressed by your new car, are not people you want to be around,” Hinckley said.
“Because the people that you actually want in your life, they are not going to be driving those Lamborghini cars unless it’s actually paid off. The people you want to hang around with are the one that have that beat up old car, but their net worth is multimillions,” she added.
Hinckley’s advice is rooted in the principle of aligning spending with personal values, long-term financial goals and not pitting yourself against toxic peer pressure. She encourages her followers to invest in experiences and things that bring sustained value, rather than fleeting excitement.
By focusing on your bigger-picture benefits, you can also avoid accumulating unnecessary debt or financial stress. Hinckley would agree that it’s not about depriving yourself, it’s about being intentional with your money so that you’re spending in a way that supports your future self.
Taking a Beat Before Acting Is Key
The bottom line is that though Hinckley’s question may seem simple, it’s a powerful easy-to-use tool for anyone looking to make smarter financial decisions. By pausing to consider how a purchase will impact your life long-term, you can avoid impulse buys, reduce financial stress and build a lifestyle that aligns with your values. The next time you’re about to buy something, take a moment to ask yourself if you should.
When it comes to investing in your future Hinckley said, “Be so sincere with the financial decisions you make because if you’ve ever heard of compound interest, it is quite literally the secret sauce to making you rich and investing in your twenties will make you significantly richer in the long run than starting to invest in your thirties and forties.”
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