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From one-click shopping to “set it and forget it” bill pay, automated financial tools have become go-to time-savers. But is there a downside to relying on technology too much?

A new trend emerging on social media — “friction-maxxing” — is challenging the notion that easier is always better. Whether in our personal, work, or financial lives, the idea is that taking fewer shortcuts, slowing down, and making more intentional decisions can improve critical thinking skills, help us focus, and make more room to build confidence and resilience.

With finances specifically, proponents suggest adding friction can help you avoid overspending, catch financial leaks, and learn more about money.

So what?

In the digital age, algorithms, automation, and AI are built into much of everyday life, and there’s no disputing the benefits of technology on modern finances. But if the most convenient option isn’t always serving your best interests, turning the friction dial up could be a worthwhile exercise.

A good rule of thumb: Bump up the friction when you want more control over undesirable impulses (like late-night ordering from Doordash), but reduce friction when automation or outsourcing helps support good habits (like automating deposits to your retirement or emergency savings accounts).

Here are a few friction-maxxing steps to consider:

Spending speed bumps

Eating sweets is usually easier to avoid when you don’t have them in your kitchen. The same idea can be true of spending. A NerdWallet writer cut her monthly spending by $300 by blocking social media and shopping apps from her phone during weeknight evenings.

Other ways to add friction to spending:

•   Remove your credit card info from your digital wallet, browser, or shopping apps.

•   Re-route tempting emailed promotions to a separate folder you only check once a week.

•   Perform “time cost” math before you buy. The realization that “this pair of sneakers equals four hours of work” adds an “is it really worth it?” gut check into the decision.

Manual spot checks

Automation is great, but sometimes it can make it easier to avoid a close look at our cash flow, both in and out.

•   Add some quality control to your automated bill payments by printing out your regular bills and bank statements (yes, on paper!) every few months. A closer look (at something bigger than the tiny print on your phone) can help you spot sneaky fees, rate increases, errors, or charges for services you no longer use.

•   Categorize your Amazon orders. The eight “Amazon” appearances on your credit card statement don’t tell you anything about what you’ve actually purchased. Do a manual audit of your account every few months to add up your spending on household items, beauty, electronics, toys, etc. Or for a real gut check, categorize by “wants” versus “needs.”

Build in more time

•   Set up guardrails to limit impulsive decisions during stock market swings. One idea: Set a rule that major decisions or early withdrawals warrant a phone call to a financial advisor first.

•   For any non-essential online purchase, commit to holding off for 48 hours before clicking the "buy" button. You may find that you don’t really need it (or have forgotten all about it) after the waiting period.

Of course, too much “maxxing” can have downsides. For example, unplugging entirely can let important tasks slip through the cracks. And it can be stressful if you end up overthinking a decision. Plus, over-restricting something that’s convenient could feel… well, miserable.

The bottom line: Friction forces you to take thoughtful pauses. The idea is not to torture yourself but think about strategically placing speed bumps that can help you rebalance your life.

Related Reading

•   'Friction Maxxing' Goes Viral—Here's What It Means For Your Spending (Investopedia)

•   Why Friction-Maxxing Could Be Good for Your Tech Usage (Mashable)

•   How to Navigate Financial Advice in the Digital Age (SoFi)

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