While most people spend money on items they want or need without feeling like they have a problem with spending too much money, there is an increasing amount of people whose spending habits could be defined as an addiction. Having a spending addiction or being a compulsive shopper generally means you buy things you don’t need with money you don’t have. Because of this, compulsive shoppers often have big problems with their finances and can find it hard to stay out of debt or pay their monthly bills. If this sounds like you, there are some things you can start doing today that will help ease this problem. To show you how, here are three ways you can take control of your spending addiction.
Look For Emotions Tied To Spending
If you frequently spend money on things you don’t need simply because you feel the need to buy something, it’s likely that you’re using shopping as a way to fill an emotional need you have. To truly understand the root of your spending problem, you have to look at the emotions that are tied to when and why you shop.
Laura T. Coffey, a contributor to Today, shares that many people with shopping addictions tend to shop more when they’re feeling sad, anxious, depressed, lonely, or angry. While shopping may make them feel better for a short time, in the long run, the damage you’re doing to your finances could haunt you for the rest of your life. But once you realize what void shopping is filling, you can start looking for better ways to meet those needs.
Adjust What You Surround Yourself With
Just like with any other addiction, it’s important to keep yourself away from things that will trigger your impulse. With a spending addiction, that means steering clear of anything that might entice you to shop or spend your money. Robert Pagliarini, a contributor to CBS News, recommends making rules for yourself about certain places you won’t go and certain things you won’t view so as to keep as far away from temptation as possible. Until you have more control over your impulse to spend, it’s best to not purposefully go somewhere where you’ll be triggered to indulge your addiction.
Seek Professional Help
Even if you feel like you should be able to kick this habit on your own, there’s no shame in seeking professional help for assistance with your spending issues. GoodTherapy.org writes that by facing your problems with a therapist, you can have access to someone who will help you work through your issues and always be there to support you. There are various types of therapies to help someone with a shopping or spending addiction, and a therapist or other professional can cater your recovery to your particular experience.
If you want to have more control over your financial future and stop your compulsive shopping, use the tips mentioned above to help you take your first step down this path today.
