
SAVER_SPENDER
How to Make a Prudent Partner Love Your Splurge?
When a Spender Meets a Saver: An Easy Way to Reconcile
“I’m labeled the ‘spender’ of the family, while my wife is the ‘saver.’
In her mind, I never know how to get a good deal.
It’s always a challenge to buy her a gift because she’ll try to find the receipt and return it.
Throwing away receipts doesn’t help—she’ll still feel the money was wasted.
This year, I found a pair of earrings that would suit her perfectly.
They’re about $400, which I think is reasonable.
I’d love for her to enjoy the gift without the nagging.
Any idea how I can make that happen?”
It sounds like your wife values a good deal—and don’t we all?
The trick here is all about perception, which is where the "Framing Effect" can come into play.
The Framing Effect refers to a cognitive bias where how information is presented shapes our perception and influences decision-making.
Try this: show her two other pairs of earrings for comparison—one at a much higher price (say, $2000) and another at a much lower price (like $20).
Then frame your choice as the best value for the price and the most beautiful option among the three.
This comparison will likely help her see your gift as a well-thought-out, conscious purchase decision, making her feel happier and more satisfied with it.