How did you slow down/stop spending what you didn't have because of your addiction??

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

#31
iluvbagsnshoes said:
I just checked my library online and I am 493rd in line to reserve this book! It must be very popular! There are 170 copies, so hopefully it won't take too long...
Click to expand...


Wow! That's something. I think I'll check this book out, too.

I do the catalog of all things I have. I put it in the categories I feel like I can relate them. Sometimes by brand, sometimes by the item itself. This way I know what I already have. And I put them in my mobile so I take it with me everywhere. A great reminder especially when I have the urge to buy things. I live in 2 home and commute between them so sometimes I just forgot where things are or if I have them or something similar in my closet. It's also a great help coz I discovered tons of samples I got and never use. You won't believe I have enough facial moisturizer to last me 6 months.

Find a hobby you've long interested in but never get to try and get in touch with your old friends. Your life maybe different but that doesn't mean you can't be friends anymore. Also, find a new one in the community you live. Loneliness makes you do crazy things, shopping binge included. I've been there. :) it may take some nerve to make a new friends ( I don't know. I'm the awkward type. :) maybe it's just me. ;) ) but it'll be worth it to feel like you can socialize again.

Good luck! ;)
 
#32
Good luck to you! I don't have advice any better or different than what's already been given. Most everyone has been or will find themselves in this situation at some point in their life. The items may be different, but the need to fill a void for what's missing in our lives hits most of us at some time or another. I think the biggest step is realizing it, you've done that. Now, it's working through to find the solution for you. If you find yourself relapsing, keep reaching out. There's nothing wrong with seeking positive re-enforcement!!
 
#33
It has taken me until very recently to be somewhat responsible with my handbag buying (as someone else said, it was more of a space/waste issue instead of financial trouble for me). I fell into a common trap. I would buy bags because they were on sale or a brand I liked (but not the bag I really wanted). I finally had to step back and realize that I was spending so much on bags that were meh, that I could have saved up and bought a bag I really wanted.

In addition, after I joined TPF I think I felt like I had to keep up. People were always talking about their new bags and if they could get a new bag then why couldn't I? I was buying more than 12 bags a year just because of a compulsion to keep up with complete strangers!!! What?!? Regardless as to if TPF encourages you to buy or not, I think a lot of times when we buy and then buy more it tends to be to fill a void. That void might be to fit in/be accepted and make friends, or it could be something else. Recognizing if you are doing it for some other reason can be helpful too.

I don't know if my thoughts will be helpful to you, but at the very least hopefully it will help you to know that so many others of us have overbought and regretted it too (misery loves company right?).
 
#35
I used to have a big shopping problem, like, really out of hand. I bought a book about compulsive shopping that helped, but I can't remember which one it was now. There are lots of books written on the subject though; I am sure they all have similar advice.

The biggest thing for me was to go off credit completely. If I cannot pay cash now, I don't get to buy it. Huge help for me.
 
#36
Oh and another thing I just thought of: when I was spending all my weekends shopping, I had no other hobbies. Shopping was my hobby! But when I got into photography, that became the thing I spent my spare time doing instead of hitting the stores. Helped a lot!
 
#37
Marey said:
I used to have a big shopping problem, like, really out of hand. I bought a book about compulsive shopping that helped, but I can't remember which one it was now. There are lots of books written on the subject though; I am sure they all have similar advice.

The biggest thing for me was to go off credit completely. If I cannot pay cash now, I don't get to buy it. Huge help for me.
Click to expand...


I only use cash as well. If I have to use interest, I don't buy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top