Ask:
I am horrible!! We have a little bit of extra money and what do I do with it? I blow it. It's like water running thru my fingers, I have no self control. I think I have a compulsive shopping problem or something. I catch myself thinking, where can I go and spend some money? Goodwill, Wal-mart, the grocery store?? I have to stop. This a.m. Walgreens had sun detergent on sale for $1.99. I bought 3 bottles, 2 bottles of fabric softener, and 2 boxes of dryer sheets. I only spent $16.00 for about 3 months of laundry supplies, but I didn't really need to buy it, but I couldn't stop myself.
Answer:
what other things do you like to do?I know it's hard but I force myself to work on something else-clean a closet...organize a drawer...call someone with the intention of making them laugh...do something that when done you feel a sense of accomplishment-I find that makes me feel like I got something and is motivational because it cost me nothing.
Answer:
I know it will be hard to alter your love of shopping but try to stay out of the stores or go with a list and don't buy anything unless it is on the list! I love to shop but like mommy2mercedes posted I now find other things to do to occupy myself & time because I am determined to get out of debt.
Answer:
I shop with a list and really try to avoid going to stores unless I have to. I find that when I have time to kill in a store i wander around and find all the bargains. granted- they are bargains, but if I don't need them then why did I buy? I love the thrill of a bargain- especially when i can get a $20 gift for $5, but financially I don't need to shop for every gift occasion in one month - there are always decent sales going on and when I buy so much I forget what i have - I just spend more
So, stay out of stores! Also, when you have extra money - put it away. Pay yourself (savings or retirement) first so that you'll have it later or in case of emergency. Walgreens will have a great deal on detergent again so you don't need to buy it all in one trip!!
hang in there and be strong!! Find something else to do besides shop!
Answer:
I find it really easy to not buy anything if I don't go into the store.
At the very least be happy that you are buying things you will use and consume. Your buying cleaning supplies and not candy bars, fast food and yet another white shirt which you really don't need. It could be a lot worse after all.
Answer:
I keep a list in my purse of things/events coming up that I may need to buy for if found on sale. But at the top of my list I also keep a picture of my change jar savings goal. (right now it is a $40 set of knives) this puts into perspective if I want to spend my extra money on that or stick it in the jar.