You know it's bad when the movie, "Confessions of a Shopaholic" ads would play, and everyone would like at me. That said, I've come to realize that this isn't something light and funny, but that it's a serious problem I have. I thought locking up my credit cards with someone else holding the key could save me, but the key wasn't hidden well enough plus I actually applied online for a new credit card so I could try to get something I wanted but didn't need. That is when I knew I really have a problem.
I thought about looking into a 12 step program, and there IS a Debtor's Anonymous, but unfortunately it's too God-centric, so that is out for me. But part of the problem is that a shopping addict is one who hides the problem (like any other addict) and I've become pretty good at it. My friends know I like to shop, as evidenced by my purses or shoes, but the extent to which I shop has been under the radar. Until now.
I've decided to make this public (well, as public as one can be from blogging) to try and curb my spendthrift ways so that I can pay off my debt and become a normal member of our economic society.
I can honestly say I do not need a single item (in terms of clothes or shoes or accessories) for a VERY long time, so there is nothing else I should be spending on, short of gas and food. So the bulk of my income should only be going to monthly expenses and to paying off my debt.
So here is my plan:
As I purchase anything, I'm going to log it here.
I can't hide from public shame if I expose myself.
I am hoping the fear of being judged will prevent me from spending on anything frivolous.
I will tell you all now, that I don't plan on going cold-turkey. This means I will still get my morning Starbucks (which is only the drip coffee) and my lunchtime Jamba Juice. I plan to have my weekend brunches with my girlfriends, but I will avoid the unnecessary extras (like juice and coffee - it'll be one or the other plus water, etc.).
Anything I buy will be posted, such as birthday gifts or a new book (to which I admit my first major public shame: I bought a Kindle2).
If you would like to encourage me to stay on the straight path and/or you would like to chastise me for being stupid, feel free. Post a comment or send me an email. Whatever, man.
I want to fight this problem and I will accept any help in any way, shape, or form given to me.
I've been out of debt before (which, by the way, is a FANTASTIC feeling) so I know now that isn't the solution; it's figuring out why I spend and to stop that compulsion.
As of today, April 3rd, 2009, I vow to do what I can to stop my compulsive addiction to shopping.
http://addictions.about.com/od/lesserknownaddictions/a/shoppingadd.htm
http://financialplan.about.com/cs/creditdebt/a/GetOutOfDebt.htm
Are you looking for approvals of status symbol when you buy something?
ReplyDeleteBecause if you are, then advertising what you buy on blogs won't stop you from continue to buy stuff.
Hiya,
ReplyDeleteNah, I'm the complete opposite about "showing off," at least to strangers. A few of my girlfriends and I are really into purses which is what started the whole blog, but I've gotten away from that.
I meant to log what I buy so that I am forced to own up to where my $ goes. (For now, it's strictly Starbucks and gas and such and such.)
But I totally see what you're saying and I appreciate the comment. Thanks.
A way you can kind of start tackling the problem would be creating two lists. First, categorize what you buy by types. ie, handbags, CDs, gadgets, foods. And then tally them up in a percentage per month, so you would know how what percentage of what you buy per month. Second list is the same as the first, except now add a rough price tag to those items and see how much you spend on what types of items per month.
ReplyDeleteThat way, you'd be able to id exactly what are you sinking your money into, and start cutting the expensive stuff first, before cutting into cheaper stuff like Latte.
Or, if you prefer, start cutting the cheaper stuff that you can live without (like Latte each morning), so that you can continue buying the expensive stuff (like Handbags).
Either way, it's better than random decrease on purchases.