I'm at a point where I can afford almost anything I want, but I still have to consider whether it will really bring me joy or if it's just a temporary impulse for a shot of dopamine.

Dopamine hits.

The vast majority of the population, anywhere in the world, prefers the instant dopamine hit to the slow morphine drip.

Personal finance is as much dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol as it is spreadsheets and ROI. 

Personal finance is as much dopamine, cortisol, and serotonin as it is ROI.

Studies show that many people feel the dopamine rush and satisfaction of feeling like they accomplished something when they listen to a podcast.

Then they get on a forum and post something that gives them a tiny dopamine bump.  

That's the point where you walk and chew gum at the same time (invest and/or pay down debt at your discretion).Lastly, remember that personal finance is as much dopamine, cortisol, and serotonin as it is ROI and calculation.

Personal finance is as much dopamine, cortisol, and serotonin as it is cash on cash, IRR, and math.

I'll flood my brain with dopamine as I envision the faces of my prospective tenants when they walk through the apartment, or a young familys excitement when buying their first home.