Are You a Shopaholic? 3 Steps To Fixing Your Addiction
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Posted June 26, 2012 by Danica Saarah Nelson in Advice

“The first step to recovering is admitting you have a problem,” is a cliché we hear all the time. But do you see overspending on constant shopping trips as a crucial life issue that’s nearly as harmful as drugs or alcohol? It can be!
Spending your disposable income on unnecessary items (especially when they’re charged to your credit card) is a surefire way to an unsuccessful and unhappy future. Below are the first three steps you can take to curing your illness.
Step 1 – Remove Yourself From ALL Mailing Lists
It’s hard, but it’s the easiest way to avoid succumbing to the temptations of spending money on something you wouldn’t have otherwise if you weren’t victim to that specific e-mail. If you REALLY want to get exclusive information on a sale or get your hands on a coupon code, a simple Google Search will do the trick. Removing yourself from every mailing list you’ve subscribed to is your first step towards curing your spending habits!
Step 2 – Ditch the Plastic. Adopt the Paper!
This one is pretty simple. All you have to do is take your Credit and Debit Cards out of your wallet. People essentially spend less when they’re using cash because they can see for themselves how quickly it can decrease as opposed to when you’re using plastic, you just swipe and go. Ever change your mind about purchasing something because you don’t want to break your $20? Then you get the point! If you think it’s absolutely necessary to have a Credit Card on you (for the ease of use), use a Prepaid credit card and only load a specified amount on it, so you can’t overspend!
Step 3 – Ask Yourself (3 Times if Necessary), Do I REALLY Need This?
Each time you’re in the store and pick up an item, you should ask yourself a series of questions. Do I really need it? Do I just want it? Do I already own something similar to it? Am I just buying it because it’s on sale? Will I actually use it, or will it just collect dust? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you don’t need it. Put that money in the bank and save it for a rainy day! Few things are less attractive than a Fashionista that spent all her money on a gorgeous outfit, but can’t afford to participate in any leisure activities.
Follow these three simple steps, and I promise you will be on your way to a more financially stable and enjoyable future!
Read more at http://secretsofagoodgirl.com/advice/shopaholic-3-steps-financially-stable-life/#C0orRjQIhoRvTDJY.99

How To Get Rid Of Credit Card Debts 0 0 StumbleUpon0
The first modern credit card, ‘The Diner’s Club’ card came out in the 1950s and was developed to help customers out, enabling them to carry just one card to pay at different stores. Now, with the passage of time people have come to rely on credit cards namely for two basic reasons, because it is easier and safer to carry than cash or simply to buy something that they cannot afford yet. The ones in the latter category are more likely to fall into credit card debt than the former. In developed countries and major cities in developing countries, credit card debt has become a considerable factor in increasing stress related health problems. The spending power that is offered with a credit card is almost addictive; it has people under its spell right from the first “swipe”. A person is more likely to buy a product that is not a necessity with a credit card than with cash in his/her hand as he/she is less likely to feel ‘the pinch’ while swiping his credit card. Even though credit card bills can be paid off in installments, the interest rates squeeze out lot more than the person would have originally thought of spending on a particular product or occasion. Paying off credit card bills might look like an easy task at first, though it’ll seem to be an almost impossible ordeal to most users. A few simple steps that can be taken to reverse your debt status can be observed below: Getting Rid Of Credit Card Debts * Do not keep credit cards in handy places like your wallet and carry just one card with a smaller limit, for emergencies. It is the key to avoid temptation.(A joke doing the rounds in credit card circles portraying a man who refuses to report a stolen credit card because the thief was spending lesser than his wife, paints a clear image of husbands with shopaholic wives or vice-versa.) * Do not use new credit cards to pay off bills on an older credit card. That would be a recipe for disaster; you might end up paying more interest than you originally would have. * Start paying with cash rather than “swiping”. Besides, handing over bank notes has always been swankier than handing over a card. * Create a new budget, keeping in mind all the debts that have been incurred to date, scrimping on daily expenditures and avoid splurging money on unnecessary items. Cut down on household bills, electricity, telephone, fuel, etc. * Try to prioritize your monthly credit card payments according to interest rates, speed up the payments on the ones with higher interest rates. * Try to reduce “eating out” and cook a meal at home, give up on a few luxuries like going to the movies, drinking at pubs, fancy restaurants, at least till you can afford it without paying with ‘plastic’. * Invest in a pair of scissors and start slicing up those credit cards once you’re done with the payments and keep just one in your wallet for emergencies.
Credit cards were seen as a necessary evil for a considerable amount of time. However, it could actually help people out in dire situations if used responsibly; maybe they should in the near future issue statutory warnings with credit cards that scream ‘swipe responsibly’.

How to Stop Spending Money
Help for Habitual Shoppers
By Donna L Montaldo, About.com Guide
See More About: * shopping addiction * shopaholics
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Are you a shopaholic or habitual shopper who cannot afford your bad habit? Here are tips which can help curve the temptations to spend money. * Know What You Own
Take some time to organize what you own by straightening and inventorying from the pantry to your closets and drawers. The next time you decide to go shopping check out what you already own. By the time you finish looking through all your past purchases you will be too exhausted to go shopping for more things you do not need. * Get Rid of the Plastic
Adopt a "cash-only" policy or use your debit card when you shop. Credit cards add to the temptation to spend more than you can afford. Close your department and chain store credit cards. Not getting the coupons in your monthly credit card statements from your favorite stores will help cut the temptation to shop. * Avoid Shopping When Bored or Depressed
Hitting the stores when we are down in the dumps or just plain bored can result in buying more stuff we do not need. Divert that unspent energy into something more positive and self indulgent such as taking a long bath, browsing the library for a good book or movie, exercising, or inviting a friend over for coffee and good conversation. If you find you have a lot of time on your hands try volunteering for something that interest you. * Bring a List
Whether you go to the grocery store or to the mall, take time to make a list of the things you need - not things you want. It is helpful to make the list, then edit it and make a second list. Once inside the stores, stay focused and only buy the items on your list. See something else you think you need? Go home, check what you have and make certain you really do need it. You can always go back the next day to buy it. * Watch Where You Shop
When it is time to go grocery shopping, go to a grocery store. When shopping for groceries at stores like WalMart and Target the temptation to pile non-grocery items into your cart can be too much for even the average shopper. The savings you might find on food will quickly disappear with the other non-food items you've loaded into the cart. * Avoid Shopping With Other Spendaholics
Shopping with someone with bad spending habits will influence our shopping habits. You can always go do something else with that person which doesn't include spending money recklessly. Instead shop with a frugal friend who often leaves stores empty handed. * Remember - You Don't Need it Today
Many times when we allow time to think about our purchases, we end up realizing it is not something we really need today. By putting the item on hold or just leaving it until the following day, we may decide it isn't something we really have to have. Used to using the, "I can always return it" logic? The fact is, spendaholics almost never return anything they purchase, at least not within the time limits for a full cash refund. * Pay Your Bills Before You Shop
Going to the mall with friends? Allow time before you go to pay your bills and review your checking account and current credit card balances. A dose of reality before you hit the stores will help curtail the desire to spend money on non-necessities. * Identify the Purpose
Part of breaking the habit of shopping is by knowing why you are buying something. When identifying the purpose of what you are buying ends up being vague, put it down. You can always go back and buy it when you know why you need it. * Examples of buying an item for a purpose:
- I need a present for a baby shower I am attending next week. * Example of buying an item without a purpose:
- I may need a baby shower present next year. * Try Shopping Like Most Men
I know this will be a difficult one, but here is how a lot of men shop: They drive to the store, go inside, get the item they came for, go to the check-out, pay for the item and leave. They don't have to walk down all the aisles in the store! They don't shop, they buy. I know, boring, but it saves money.

Utilizing tips to help handle the temptation to wasteful spending can result in bringing back the real pleasures of buying something we need and not just want.

Am I a Shopaholic?
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Deciding whether you are a shopaholic depends on your definition of the word. The term used to mean someone who liked to shop, maybe a little too much. Now, being called one may mean that you are a compulsive shopper who spends beyond your limits, buys things you have no use for, and uses shopping as a way to feel better temporarily.
Some believe that the compulsive shopper is actually suffering from an addiction. Addiction is defined as having a compulsion to a commit a behavior, being unable to stop a behavior, and continuing the behavior despite harmful consequences. Research now shows that addictive behavior often provides a momentary lift in mood. A flood of “good feeling” producing hormones rewards a shopaholic when he or she buys something. Unfortunately, the lift is not permanent, and the person must go out and shop more in order to find the next boost in hormones.
The shopaholic frequently begins to search for more and more “highs,” however, which translates to greater expense. Once the shopper begins to damage his or her own life by spending, or the compulsive shopping interferes with relationships, then true addiction exists, particularly if the person can’t stop.
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This person frequently spends beyond his or her means, so he or she may sacrifice money for food, rent, utilities, or simply be unable to pay rising credit card balances. Once a shopaholic spends beyond his or her limits, the disease, like an addiction to drugs, can worsen. The person may indulge in compulsive theft, or may steal money from others in order to continue shopping. What began as joy at finding a few good bargains can end in financial ruin, and even criminal prosecution.
There is help to end such compulsions, which are just as likely to occur in men and women. Needing shopping, just like needing any other activity or drug to regulate mood, suggests that the person may have a chemical imbalance. Often restoring chemical balance, through medications like anti-depressants, can help curb some of the urge to shop, but this is only one half of the equation. As a person becomes a shopaholic, he or she not only physically depends on the shopping for chemical balance, but also emotionally depends on the experience.
The same holds true for people addicted to substances like nicotine. Fighting the physical addiction is not the same as fighting the habitual behavior of smoking. In addition to possibly needing chemicals to help alter brain chemistry, a shopping addict needs to learn how to stop habitual shopping. This can be especially difficult since most people need to shop from time to time, and it's nearly impossible to go “cold turkey” and stop completely. People who suffer from this condition will probably still need to occasionally shop for things like groceries, and this can lead to regression in fighting the addiction.
What does appear to help is support groups or individual counseling for controlling addictive behavior. Many organizations exist to help compulsive shoppers, and individual counseling can help a person to create strategies for taming the addiction. Group counseling can be particularly effective in keeping people from regressing back to compulsive shopping.
Just like any other addict, the shopaholic must want to quit. Very little can be accomplished until there is a sincere desire to end the behavior. For some people, this only occurs when they hit rock bottom. Hopefully, recognizing the signs early can help a person to curb the behavior in its infancy, so it does not become an addictive behavior that controls his or her life.

Shopaholic: 7 Signs You're Addicted To Shopping

MoneyTalksNews:
It’s one thing to surrender to the occasional impulse buy — that watch gleaming from behind the display case, or a pair of black shoes that will add the perfect dash of sophistication to your favorite business suit. But when your purchases shift from impulsive to compulsive, it’s the first sign that you might be grappling with a more serious condition: a shopping addiction.
Researchers estimate that up to 6 percent of Americans are so-called shopaholics. And with retailers ramping up their promotions on TV and even more intensely online, this number is likely to rise. In our society, the phrase “shop till you drop” translates as frivolous and fun, but when spending presents a real problem, the glamor fades.
RELATED: Showrooming: Saving Money by Shopping Twice
Psychologists call it Compulsive Buying Disorder, which is characterized as an impulse-control issue – just like gambling or binge eating – and has the potential to create a whirlwind of emotional and financial distress.
In the video above, Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson reveals some of the telltale signs of shopaholics and explains what they can do to curb their spending. Check it out, then read on for more…
RELATED: 6 Ways to Save When You're Shopping for One
Are you or a loved one a shopaholic? Here are seven signs of a potential problem. For a more complete analysis, also check out the Compulsive Buying Scale, developed by psychologist Gilles Valence and his associates.
1. You have many unopened or tagged items in your closet
We’re not talking about the sweater your aunt gave you last holiday season, but about items you selected on your own that sit unopened or with their tags still attached. You likely even forgot about some of these possessions – boxes of shoes lining the bottom of your closet or jackets that have never seen the light of day.
RELATED: 12 Top-Rated Shopping Sites You Never Heard Of
2. You often purchase things you don’t need or didn’t plan to buy
You’re easily tempted by items that you can do without. A fifth candle for your bedroom dresser, a new iPod case, even though yours is fine…you get the idea. You’re particularly vulnerable if you’ve admitted to having an “obsession,” like shoes or designer handbags. Just because your splurges tend to stick to one category doesn’t make them any more rational.
3. An argument or frustration sparks an urge to shop
Compulsive shopping is an attempt to fill an emotional void, like loneliness, lack of control, or lack of self-confidence. Shopaholics also have a tendency to suffer from mood disorders, eating disorders, or substance abuse problems. So if you tend to binge on comfort food after a bad day, studies suggest that you may be more likely to indulge in a shopping spree too.
4. You experience a rush of excitement when you buy
Shopaholics experience a “high” or an adrenaline rush, not from owning something, but from the act of purchasing it. Experts say dopamine, a brain chemical associated with pleasure, is often released in waves as shoppers see a desirable item and consider buying it. This burst of excitement can become addictive.
5. Purchases are followed by feelings of remorse
This guilt doesn’t have to be limited to big purchases, either; compulsive shoppers are just as often attracted to deals and bargain hunting. Despite any remorse that follows, though, shopaholics are adept at rationalizing just about any purchase if challenged.
6. You try to conceal your shopping habits
If you’re hiding shopping bags in your daughter’s closet or constantly looking over your shoulder for passing co-workers as you shop online, this is a possible sign that you’re spending money at the expense of your family, your loved ones, or even your job.
7. You feel anxious on the days you don’t shop
It’s one thing to feel anxious if you haven’t had your morning cup of joe, but if you’re feeling on edge because you haven’t swiped your debit card all day, be concerned. Shopaholics have reported feeling “out of sorts” if they haven’t had their shopping fix, and have even admitted to shopping online if they couldn’t physically pull away from their day’s responsibilities.
If the characteristics above sound a lot like you or someone you know, don’t worry just yet. And if you’re on the fence about whether you really have a problem, even figuring out why you’re always shopping and how you can change could be a big relief – for both your well-being and your budget. Fortunately, as Stacy explained in the video, there are some simple ways to help you kick a shopping habit:
Find a new activity. Jogging, exercising, listening to music, watching more TV – any of these activities could potentially substitute for shopping and would be a much lighter burden on your wallet.
Identify triggers. Take note of what’s likely to send you off to the nearest department store – whether it’s an argument with your significant other or frustration after a business meeting. When these feelings overcome you, resist shopping at all costs and find a healthier way to work it out.
Remove temptation. It’s no secret that you shouldn’t walk through your favorite boutique if you’re trying to curb your spending. Try to limit your shopping trips and go only when absolutely necessary. If online shopping is your weakness, resist the urge to surf your favorite stores’ sites and even consider keeping your laptop out of reach.
Carry only enough cash to buy what you went for. Leave your debit and credit cards at home. Create a shopping list with estimated costs, and stick to it when you’re at the store.
Ask for help. If you’re still struggling with compulsive spending, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can start with self-help books or by asking a friend or family member to help keep you in check, but it might also be wise to enlist professional help. Consider therapy, resources like Stopping Overshopping, or support groups such as Debtors Anonymous.

How financial advisors can help shopaholics
George Sterling | Tuesday, November 13th, 2012
One of the biggest problems shopaholics face is stopping the un-stoppable urge to shop whenever they see a ‘sale’ sign. It is in our nature to stop and shop whenever we see a ‘sale’ sign because we believe we can score a bargain that will not be available later. People often buy unnecessary goods when they see a sale sign and that seriously damages their financial well being. It is completely okay to stop and shop when a sale is going on, but when you start doing it on a regular basis; you need help from a financial advisor to stop that urge to shop immediately.

In order to curb your spending habits, it is necessary that you devise a financial plan that outlines your priorities. A financial advisor can help you divide your needs and wants in the plan. Your needs basically consists of must have goods to survive such as food, basic clothes, medicines and shelter. Your wants on the other hand consists of all the luxurious items like expensive Smartphones, jewelry etc. These are the things that can wait and are not necessary for our survival.
When going out shopping, consider getting the things that are vital for your survival. In order to effectively do this, always carry a list of items with priority. Those which can wait should be at the end of your buying list. When you have bought all the necessary items to get you through the month, only then you can decide whether to buy or not the items what fall in your ‘want’ category.
A financial advisor is a big help when it comes to handling your money accordingly. An experience advisor will always recommend that you buy things that fall within your budget. It is also always a good idea to not overly spend your credit on stuff that is not vital for you and your family. If possible, do not carry a credit card with you at all times. Having a credit card in your pocket can easily tempt you to buy things that are not in your budget.
Not spending money properly can end you up in serious debts with your credit card or loan lenders. Keep in mind that every time you swipe your card to pay for something; you are already in a debt. If you keep thinking like this, you will learn to control your spending.
Hiring a financial advisor to help you manage your finances is completely acceptable and normal. These experts can guide you and help you manage your finances for a better tomorrow. If you are in a position where you cannot stop your urge to shop, it is highly recommended that you take services from an experienced financial advisor. I was a shopaholic | | | | | | | A recent survey found Aussie women own an average of 25 pairs of shoes. But for Jill, a taste for shopping meant she was hoarding a lot more than that... | | | | Jill Chivers, 42, Sunshine Coast, Qld

As I twirled in front of the shop mirror, I felt like a million dollars. I couldn't help but admire how the trench coat skimmed over me in all the right places. Of course it was leopard print - which meant I knew I would wear it all the time! There was just something about the fabric that I was powerless to resist. I loved nothing more than a little bit of retail therapy, and I was always on the lookout for more wild patterns to add to my wardrobe. The excitement I felt when I swiped my credit card was impossible to beat.

But that day, looking at my reflection in the clothes shop, something strange happened. As I started thinking about all the clothes that would match my great new find, I suddenly realised I had rather a lot of animal print items already. In fact, I owned 12 similar jackets and three trench coats that were practically identical to the one I'd just tried on. Shocked, I hurried out of the store, my heart hammering. 'It was just a moment of madness,' I said to myself, embarrassed. But as I thought back over the last 10 days, I realised that I'd already given my credit card a massive workout.

I'd recently travelled to the US for my job in business development and despite a really packed work schedule, I'd somehow found the time to splurge on jeans, jackets, belts and jewellery. There was nothing like the thrill of finding the perfect new purchase, and I loved all of the compliments I got when I stepped out in a new ensemble. No matter what sort of mood I was in, shopping always made me feel better. But my close call with that coat gave me an awful guilty feeling I couldn't shake.

Trying to just forget about it, I returned home with a whole extra suitcase worth of clothes. But as I tried to jam all my fabulous new purchases into my already overflowing wardrobe, that anxious feeling returned. All of a sudden I realised how out of control my situation was. Sitting down to add up what I'd spent, I realised that in just 10 days I had blown over $1000 on clothes I didn't even need. I'd bought two brand-new pairs of dark denim jeans, even though I already had 14 piled up at home. I felt sick to the stomach as I realised that over the years I'd spent hundreds of thousands of dollars. I'd even started turning to credit to free up more cash. It could only mean one thing. I was addicted to shopping.

Opening up my cupboards, I started counting. One hundred and fifty pairs of shoes, 40 silk blouses, 15 jackets… Some were still in perfect condition with the price tags attached. I was always down-playing just how much I'd spent to my husband, Dan. And I discovered that I'd even stuffed some items in the back of the closet so he wouldn't find them! Suddenly I felt terribly ashamed. Realising that I needed to change, I set myself the ultimate challenge. 'I'm going to go a whole year without clothes shopping,' I told Dan. I expected him to laugh, but he revealed he'd been a bit worried about my spending and promised to support me.

The trouble was, I couldn't even set foot inside a shopping centre without being tempted. So, I made a plan. When it came to getting groceries I'd only visit the local butchers and greengrocers. If I needed to buy birthday presents, I'd solely go to gift shops. And when it came to having coffee with friends, I would park right outside the cafe so I didn't have to wander through the mall first. The first couple of months were the most difficult of my life.

No matter what I did, I couldn't help but feel like I was missing out. What gems did all the shops have in store? Was I missing new trends? I knew my thoughts were completely irrational, but I had become so used to having the latest things. Wanting to make myself accountable, I set up a blog so I could share my experiences with other women. If others were following my journey, I knew I couldn't give up. As each week passed, I was so proud of what I'd achieved. For the first time, I felt like I was shopping inside my own home and I had a whole lot of fun mixing and matching my clothes.

Really pleased with my progress, I even set myself the task of never wearing exactly the same outfit twice. It was all going so well until, three months in, temptation hit. I'd gone for breakfast with a friend when a beautiful leopard- print skirt in a window caught my eye. I convinced myself I'd just go in for a quick look, but before I knew it I had tried on the skirt, handed over the cash and the bag was in my hand. Back at home, my cheeks burned with shame. Even just looking at my purchase made me feel like a complete failure. But then I realised something. Yes, I'd made a mistake - but I knew that I had to keep going. I decided to treat clothes shops like art galleries. I could go in and enjoy their beauty, - but I definitely wasn't going to buy anything from them!

Just two months later my temptation to shop had almost completely disappeared, and I couldn't help but notice just how much extra money I had. Even when I started getting holes in my undies I refused to give in. When I finally reached my 365th day without splurging, I couldn't believe how different I was feeling. I had managed to save thousands of dollars, and I'd also uncovered an amazing wardrobe I never knew I had.

Today, almost two years after finishing my challenge, I can't imagine spending an entire day in the shopping centre. I have given away a lot of my clothes and my wardrobe is much smaller, but I wear every item regularly - even managing to maintain my signature animal-print style! I've also started my own website and created the world's first online program to help others overcome shopping addiction. I'm proof that you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to look good.

Jill is an ambassador for Buy Nothing New Month this October. For more on her story visit www.shopyourwardrobe.com.Top Tips for cutting back on clothes spending * Review what you've got. Most women have no idea what they've got hiding in their closet, so go through everything and figure out what you have and what you still need. * Only use cash. That way you will know exactly what you're spending. * Swap don't shop. Hold a clothes swapping party so you can give away things you don't need in exchange for new items without spending a cent. * Track your spending. Write down all non-essential purchases in a notebook so you can't avoid the facts. | |