How can spending hours scrolling on a phone help achieve financial goals?

How can spending hours scrolling on a phone help achieve financial goals?
New Empower research reveals how tech is helping us focus on finances.
MAY 17, 2024

With many things in life there are potential positives and negatives, and it seems that’s true of scrolling on phones or computers when it comes to financial goals.

Just as there is ‘doomscrolling’ where people spend long periods of time looking at mostly negative news content on their devices, there is also ‘dreamscrolling’ according to a new report from Empower, and this is potentially far more positive.

The firm’s research found that the average American spends 2.5 hours a day dreamscrolling, or looking at pictures of things they would love to own one day. The practice ranges from 1 hour for Boomers to three hours for Gen Z. And this could be a key motivator to adopting good financial habits.

Survey respondents said that spending the time, which works out at 36 days a year, focusing on what they want to buy makes it easier for them to be smart with their money (56%), avoid making unplanned purchases or going into debt (30%) and better plan to achieve their financial goals (25%).

They also see it as investing in themselves and their lifestyle and even helping them imagine their ideal retirement.

For some, dreamscrolling includes leaving open tabs with pictures of their desired purchases, with an average total value of more than $86K. Overall, 65% of respondents are optimistic about their ability to one day to buy everything on their list, but almost a quarter say they don't think they'll ever be able to afford most of the items.

While younger Americans may have the most hope of buying all the items on their list, this optimism weakens with age and are likely to be hampered by rising prices (54%), inability to save money (29%) and growing debt (21%).

Latest News

SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund
SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund

Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.

The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training
The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training

From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.

Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry
Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry

"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.

SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says
SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says

Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.

Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest
Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest

Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.