Help. I have what might be an unusual money problem and I'd appreciate some feedback as it is really messing

Question

up my life big time. In this day and age when people buy themselves into deep debt, I have the opposite problem-an inability to spend money. Spending even on the most basic needs like food/rent create massive anxiety. And I don't spend it on anything else. It isolates me tremendously. I have an inkling of some of the childhood traumas that have created this, but I am overwhelmed with anxiety. It is bizarre-some people use shopping to ease anxiety. Shopping for me, even for underwear is a nightmare. Needless to say this has quite an impact on my life. Any suggestions for this money monk?
Anyone else relate? How do you deal with it. Don't say see a therapist-I'd go in a heartbeat-if it was free! However...

Answer 1

i understand i have the same problem . to top matters I'm a Libra which means everything has to balance . all you can do is concentrate on what is important until you fell comfortable then spurge a little and try not to worry . in the end if you want something bad enough you can always save up for it . don't worry about what others think of you they make mistakes all the time you are human and no better than anybody else so stop trying to be better just live a life that suits you and pick up the pieces as you go .

Answer 2

there is free therapy out there just so you know and they also have sliding fee scales because i would say that you do need it and just explain right up front what you need the therapy for. and man i wish i had your problem. lol however if it makes you feel better maybe have a friend or family member handle your bills and help you go shopping that way you are not alone. i love to go shopping whith my friends even if it is just grocery shopping. try to realize that you are not over spending but that you need these things and you have to have some of these things to survive. and make sure to tell some family members or friends about this problem so that they can help you with it and be supportive. this almost sounds like either severe anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder. either one you do need profesional help and once you get that you will feel better. hope this helps

Answer 3

I can relate. Money gives you a sense of security and if by chance you run out, then what?! My suggestion is quite simple. Open another checking/savings account. Always have one account that has a saftey net in it that you don't touch under any circumstances (unless in an emergency). Add up what you spend on bills and necessities in one months time and keep that in a private, separate account that you won't touch. Once you have that saftey account established, spend from your main account. When you start to stress out about a money situation, deposit a little more money into your saftey account. This should help give you a positive and responsible feeling and hopefully aleviate some stress that goes along with spending.
Good luck.

Answer 4

You have an underlying problem. For you not to want to spend the money but knowing in your mind you have too. You need to think back about what would cause you to feel this anxiety.

You need to maybe start slow. Not pay out in bulk and try to figure out a management plan for your spending. Or maybe you can have someone do it for you, there goes the first step of releasing the anxiety.

i hope you are able to cope with this. This is pretty serious, no one should feel like that. I have included a link that answers questions on scenarios. Maybe they can help.

Answer 5

Its not unusual. For some in your situation, they imagine that money is actually a part of themselves (literally) and they aren't willing to lose any of it. Its as though spending any money was like giving part of their bodies away, like losing something forever.

What they don't realize is that money is a tool - to accomplish things in life, to provide the things we humans need to live like food and shelter and pleasure. Money is not a real thing that you are giving away, its a symbol that has whatever meaning you choose to give it.

And since money is replenished (you get more as you work), its like rainwater - there is always more to come. There are some days when its dry, then other days when it rains. But you don't see people hoarding rainwater, and not drinking it even when they're thirsty - because there will always be more.

I would question what you're saving it for, what you believe you are going to do with it. Money by itself is completely worthless and useless. Remember the old adage "You can't take it with you".

Answer 6

You need to treat this like any other phobia. Start reading up on how to overcome a phobia. It means thinking up little steps towards your goal, and then imagining doing those things over and over until you can do them in your mind, and then you do each little step in real life. So, a first step might be imagining writing your rent check and having it be easy, and then a next step might be imagining going to the grocery store and buying food you need. Then build up until you can imagine buying clothing you need. Once you can do it in your mind, you can do it in real life. Using visualization like this works for a lot of phobias, and it works for achieving things like 3-point shots in basketball, too! You can read up on this through free books at the library or online. You may also find a college psych teacher who will help you in front of a class or steer you to free therapy as part of a research project. Good luck!

Answer 7

You seem to have cut yourself off from help at least that's what I see. Try to do one day aweek of volunteer work Its free & you might make some friends (if that is what you need) Do the Q & A here join Yahoo 360 Its anonymous its free Good Luck to you

Answer 8

I am assuming that you already have a budget. set some baseline numbers for your annual investments for the 401K, Roth IRA, etc. once you have paid off all monthly expenses and maxed out the months investment contributions the remainder is yours to spend with out guilt

Answer 9

maybe you have some misery- experience about not having enough money,is it?
everyone is concern about their money,but the only thing you need to know is you are a norman man,you could earn your money back whenever you need right

Answer 10

go 2 peekvid and watch the movie the secret