This is taken way out of context. First she advises looking into term-life or disability insurance, two great ideas. Then here is the whole quote on shopping spree:
If you feel financially secure, a nice splurge seems to be in order! Whether a vacation or shopping spree, Mary Deshong-Kinkelaar a certified financial planner with Kinkelaar & Associates. finds it helpful to have a designated splurge “fund” once you have your financial bases covered. “It can help establish boundaries for people who feel uncomfortable with the concept of spending,” she says. For this she recommends allocating anywhere from 2% to 5% of your paycheck to the fund.
And she concludes by saying to make sure you pay off your balance.
So the advice here is if you've maxed your retirement funds, set an allowance for yourself on discretionary spending to make sure you feel comfortable and having boundaries. That is perfectly fine advice, and is the kind of advice that is given repeatedly in this forum.
