How can you start saving money with a shopping disorder?

Question

I have a serious shopping disorder...Im so in debt now..I work at Dairy Queen yet am always over my thousand dollar limit on my visa and owe alot on my overdraft from my bank..it sucks..I need serious help..Im addicted to ebay too..

Answer 1

Become a secret shopper. You stillget to shop but alot of the time you can shop for free or get really good discounts. Not always but sometimes. Plus your getting paid to shop, how cool is that

Answer 2

You need to set a budget and STICK TO IT. First you must pay your bills. Write down everything you owe. Write down how much money you make. Figure out the most money you can pay after rent etc. that must be paid to keep a roof over your head. Contact Visa and tell them you want to pay it off and you can pay ??? this much per week or month. If it means that you eat hot dogs and beans or peanut butter and jelly for a few month you need to do that. It might take quite a few months to pay off your debts but it is the way to go. Maybe you can pick up an extra part time for the holidays. That would help paying off easier. You will not have peace of mind till you pay off your debts. You can do it. You cannot give in to every whim or pleasure right now. Now you need to pay off this bill and get your finances under control. If you put your mind to it you can do it.

Answer 3

Acknowledging your condition and seeking advice is a positive move, Bent_slink. You are honest to your own self; excellent!

Did you ever pay closer attention as to WHY you shop in excess? Is there a void in your life that you try to fill by shopping?
You are already aware that the happiness that you feel when you buy something is only temporary; the feeling of emptiness will resurface after.

Once you are able to IDENTIFY what you feel is lacking in your life, the healing process will be easier.

Please make a PLAN: list down all your credits, expenses. See what you can do without. Control your desire to buy more. Make a weekly/ monthly budget and stick to it. Prioritize paying your debt. Bring a notebook with you and write down all your expenses. The act of writing will make you more aware of your actions and hopefully will curb your impulse buying.

Think of ways to INCREASE your INCOME. Babysitting? Dog walking?

PAY your debts. Have only one credit card, if at all. Deal only with cash, and stay within the budget that you set for yourself.

Have HOPE. If you are diligent, things will get better.

Goodluck, Bent_slink.

Answer 4

if it hurts you too much, have a friend cut up all your credit cards, work to pay back all that you owe without shopping!!! now you may think that's impossible, since you have a shopping disorder, but hey what girl in this day and age don't? The trick is resisting it! Do you REALLY need the things that you're purchasing or can you live without them? With help from friends and family to guide you through your habits, I believe you'll be able to get out of your financial hell hole. Just don't go splurging on 1,000+ handbags etc. ^_~ and you'll be fine!

Answer 5

Really is to cut up those cards first of all so you don't have access to them. Need to seek some counseling. Sometimes when a person has a habit, they are trying to cover up some type of problem or issue they have in their lives. So you need first to examine yourself and really acknowledge what are your issues, then seek professional help.

I saw a show on TV not Dr. Phil but another one, he had a shoplifter. that was her problem she shoplifted. what his prescription was that she has a letter from the doctor, she had to show the letter to the store manager it stated something like this, -----i am a shoplifter and i don't want to encounter the police escort me through the store while i get my items. --------

i thought that was a good idea, maybe you need something like that when you shop. as far as e-bay, disconnect the Internet, you will save about 25 buck a month off the bat, call and limit any other things like cell phones, have it only for 911 (emergency use only).

Answer 6

Now to get your account straight sounds like you need money now. Have you ever done clinical studies where you try new medications? You can earn alot of money fast. I did a study and earned $3,700 for 2 weeks. Take some time off work and get caught up on your bills get another job or pick up more hours at the DQ.Just look up Quintials on the Internet to find out more on clinical studies near you. It was total worth it for me. Don't use checks at all not even for bills, use money orders .

Answer 7

Have you had any one-on-one therapy or group therapy for shopaholics anonymous? Research it in your area and try. I was married to a compulsive gambler, it destroyed my marriage, really. So, you might be looking at potential problems in your personal life if you do not take it seriously. I would go to credit counseling class or money management training of some sort. Cut up all your credit cards so you do not have access to them. And avoid going to malls, shops, etc. Go to parks or swimming instead, hiking in the mountains can help concentrate on positive and meditate, start attending church, they have support groups and boy, PRAY and PRAY every day. Lord will help you if you put your heart and thoughts and trust in HIM. Good luck!

Answer 8

Come on- of course, get pregnant or cut off all your fingers. Seriously, take some college classes, the best way to stop doing anything is realizing you are the only one responsible for yourself, and it helps to radically change your day to day routine- so you do not get the chance to do whatever

Answer 9

thats terrible my friend....already your sick...... why i say this so..... mentally you know your extravagance....but still you wont mind your spending free....change your vices....and think counter clockwise what was the merit after all... otherwise...it will lead you for no good...mark this word....