Im having some minor money problems. Everytime i get upset that i don't have money to buy myself nice things I go out and shop! It temporarly makes me feel better & i tell myself I deserve it but then 2 weeks later im upset about money again. I know this is NOT a rational or constructive reaction to my situation but I still do it. How can I stop? Has anyone had this problem and how did they handle it?
2006-06-15 08:47:52 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
i do need to keep updating my wardrobe because i work in the design industry.
2006-06-15 09:02:08 · update #1
You are acting on impulse...you can window shop...you don't have to buy everything you see...try to leave the house without any money...no credit cards...no cash...no checks or anything...see how that works...You do deserve things but try only shopping once a month...set aside a set amount of money you plan on spending...open a savings account that only allots you to transfer money into your checking account once a month...if none of these work and you still find yourself acting on impulse...you may need to seek some assistance and talk to someone...so that you can get to the root of the problem...
2006-06-15 09:41:27 · answer #1 · answered by j_nelle_03 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes, shopping can be an addictive behavior in response to stress. Been there. After incurring many overdraft fees and banking problems, I have just this month forced myself NOT to spend money that I don't really have. I have not shopped for pleasure, or even for a few small "necessities", ever since the start of June. This is because I was shocked in May to be $100 overdrawn, and had to borrow money to pay that. So I actually started out kind of "in the hole" for June. It is tough, because I am addicted not only to shopping, but to fast food. And I just can't have any right now; I literally do not have a dollar to waste until the beginning of July when I will reassess. You can force yourself to stay home and not shop if you really get into a desperate situation as I have. It is hot outside, and my car's air conditioning is broken right now. These are some of the legitimate reasons I tell myself for not going out, besides having no money. I think there is even a 12-step group for shopaholics, if you feel your problem is that serious. Good luck to you!
2006-06-15 15:57:18 · answer #2 · answered by Oghma Gem 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a self-defeating pattern going here, worrying about money and then spending more than you have to be able to worry some more.
It's the same thing for many dieters -- they feel bad about how they look, so they comfort themselves by eating, thereby exacerbating the problem.
To stop it? Self discipline! You have to realize that by spending the money, you are not solving your problem -- you are making it worse. Find something different that doesn't cost any money to take your mind off the money problems -- go for a long walk in the park, clean a room, rearrange furniture -- anything that you can do for free that helps you feel better. But don't then go a buy more clothes to reward yourself -- you've fallen back into the same trap.
2006-06-15 15:55:07 · answer #3 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another twist to the savings account idea would be this:
Have a savings account specifically for your shopping trips. Budget a certain amount each week/month for shopping. Put it in an account. When you get upset, get your "shopping money" out and go for it.
I know I love to shop when I'm upset too. It's very relaxing but it does take some self discipline. Find a way to make your coping strategy work FOR you instead of AGAINST you.
2006-06-15 16:58:20 · answer #4 · answered by Just wondering 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea, I'd have to go along w/ the stress/emotional theory. We do something little that is instantly gratifying and then feel a little better. At lease until the credit card bill comes in, and then the cycle repeats itself. You basically need to find another means to make yourself feel better, something that doesn't involve spending money so you can try to break the cycle.
Usually the best trick is to mobilize yourself. Sittiing around dwelling on the fact that you're broke isn't going to put money in your pocket, or make you feel much better. Go out take a walk, appreciate nature, write down what you're feeling, tell a friend who will listen, etc.
2006-06-15 18:46:23 · answer #5 · answered by nik 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had this problem before. Those people that are somewhat Bi-polar or have other manic issues do this. I would try doing something else to make you happy. I used to shop when I was broke and upset...now I re-arrange my house *LOL*. Instant gratification is what you seek. Find something in your life that you could change almost instantly and you will feel better. How about painting your nails or coloring your hair? Maybe giving yourself a facial or something just as soothing will help. Shopping is great but it will just feed into this cycle of mania. Good luck.
2006-06-15 15:55:43 · answer #6 · answered by vampchilde 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem. When I was upset, stressed or angry I'd go and buy something. What I did was sit down and think about the problem. Was shopping really going to solve the problem? Is this really worth it? Then I decided to try and substitute something else for the shopping.
Instead of buying something, I'd listen to music or workout. It might sound stupid but it works. It was hard at first but now I'm happy I did it.
2006-06-15 15:55:21 · answer #7 · answered by Kristell B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One way of handling it is by trying to manage your money better. Maybe even start a savings account, this could help a lot especially if u plan on going to college and need some money for books and other things; starting a savings account would be a great idea.
2006-06-15 15:55:11 · answer #8 · answered by Mooker 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its called stress. Most people experience this. You should put your money in a cashiers check and give it to a trusted person to hold on to. That way when you have the earge to spend you can take that stress and put it into something constructive. I was able to defeat that by writing a book. I'm still working on it. Try it you might be able to learn how to use your stress to earn money instead of spending it.
2006-06-15 15:54:42 · answer #9 · answered by bunnicula 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It 's like a comfort zone, a nice warm blanket on a cold winter day, isn't it ? It could be that you are not giving yourself enough credit without having something new to wear. And you think people will be looking at you in a cretain way .
This is called, low self esteem and fear of judgement . A lot of this could likely be caused from your employment, and everything that you see around you .
It is very difficult for a person, any person not to be affected by their environment.
2006-06-15 16:12:10 · answer #10 · answered by Catt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋