i seem to have a spending problem and i want to know how to break the habit?

Question

i have always been this way but especially since i have a new higher paying job i have gotten worse. i buy something new almost every day. when im bored i go buy something, when i feel lonely i go buy something, when i get off work there is usually SOMETHING that i need to pick up on my way home. its not usually expensive things but still, little things add up. i cant seem to get the money i make into savings or to pay off debt, i have 4 credit cards that together add up to about $7,000 ,almost all of that $7,000 was spent in the past two years on bills when i didn't have the money for them and paid them with credit cards. i don't know what to do , is there some kind of place you can go like alcoholics do haha? seriously though what do i do about this? i am no longer getting into MORE debt but i only pay minimum payments usually so im never going to be on top like this.
what do i do to make myself stop buying everything i want all the time?

P.S. i have tons of other things to do to occupy my time other then shopping, the time i spend shopping is actually very short, something comes into my head that i want or "could use" and i go get it , im not strolling around in stores all day, most of the things i buy are sports related or supportive of some hobbie or interest of mine. not that that matters but the first answerer has the wrong idea, i am not lacking in things to do, i have hardly any free time.

Answer 1

Find something else to occupy your time - rather than shopping. Things will not make you happy, happiness is a choice. Choose to stop spending & choose to be happy about it.

Edit: sorry to have "gotten you wrong"

You sound like your addicted to shopping though, Also you need to disipline yourself, If you don't have the cash - you can't afford it. In the long run these kinds of spending habits will only cause you problems. Nip it in the bud before your spending gets totally out of control. Read Suzie Ormond she is great with solving these types of situations.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I am not a professional.. but I do have some suggestions.
First. See a counselor. There is a reason why you are trying to fill "something" by buying new things. You have to research the reasons why (which only you can answer) in order to get a hold of the situation, and find some corrective solutions.

Second. I have to disagree with you when you say you are keeping up with debt by paying your minimum payments. Credit card rates are so high, you just get no where. I would suggest a couple things. First call your credit card companies and ASK them for lower rates. In my experience 99% of them will give you a lower rate.. sometimes ALOT lower. THEN... If you have 4 cards, make your min payment on 3 of them while putting all you have into paying off the fourth one. Then.. when you have three.. make minimum payments on two while putting all you have into the third.

Also.. just as a suggestion, buy any book by Suzi Armrand or Omrand) Shes a whiz when it comes to this kind of stuff.

Hardest thing is... is to realize you simply have to stop. Once you start paying off your debt you'll have a true sense of pride and will be more responsible because you will empower yourself in your financial future.

Somtimes the hardest thing is taking the first step. But sounds like you've done that already. Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

I have the same problem stay out of the stores!!!!! Only shop with a list. Don't go to the mall and make no on line purchases. Cut up all your credit cards now and pay them off asap.

Answer 4

Invest that money in a bank I suppose. Make a Income Expenses chart. I really don't know, just wanted to help a little. Think about the things you only need, I think you can actually get help with that kind of disorder, or obtain a counselor.

Answer 5

" is there some kind of place you can go like alcoholics do haha?"

YEP. Here. I was making minimum payments on $60k. You have to get mad. http://www.daveramsey.com/tdrs/index.cfm/2007/9/17/Getting-rich Half way down click "Listen to Dave".

That single audio clip CHANGED my life when I heard it!

Before you do ANYTHING, listen to this man for free. This is like getting financial wisdom from Bill Gates, except this guy has a radio show.

Answer 6

i kno wot u mean, i hav the same problem. have u tried 2 sell off any of the stuff u hav bought? or mayb taking up new hobbies? selling it off can be just as fun as buying them. i kno wot u mean, u always feel there is something which u dnt hav n u hav 2 buy it n u jus go out n buy something n wen you've got it u think 2 urself "do i really need this" lol. gud luk buddy. also try consulting family, parents etc.

Answer 7

I agree with Karebear's answer
but i also suggest you cancel 1 credit card gradually untill you have 1 and limit yourself.
give yourself an ammount for a week and think of what you REALLY need and what you just WANT and add a total and dont go over it

Answer 8

yes there are counseling & services for this

you are probably filling an emotional need but the good news is that awareness is the first step