[Ash Ly]

I am donating plasma, but it’s not enough. I struggle with compulsive spending habits, and I’m trying really hard to get more self-control. I realize needs, wants, miscellaneous…but it’s been a long time coming, and finally the self-awareness to stop these spending patterns.

I don’t have the “why”, as to why I’ve been so reckless, and irresponsible with money- but I’m evaluating everything to deter catastrophe. Is there a “shopaholics anonymous” group?

I’m looking for ways to STOP, and to also exercise “damage control”.

So, donating plasma, selling clothing on ThredUp (Keto & Intermittent Fasting have been very successful), had a garage sale, no Doordash/Uber or eating out, taking the bus (currently no vehicle), and gardening.

How do YOU cut corners?

Thank you!

[Margie]

I have noticed that some people feel like they don’t deserve to have money, so they get rid of it as quickly as possible, in any way they can.

Could this be what you are doing?

Once you believe that you are worthy of having savings, your spending will slow down.

The thrill of seeing your savings grow beats thr thrill of getting things.

[Karen]

In the case of an addiction they are trying to fill a void in their lives by spending or using. If you could chat with a therapist it may help you unravel this mystery and save you a lot of money. Begin to write down the things you are grateful for.

[Marissa]

Something that helps my spending is hitting add to cart and then closing the amazon app for a day or so. For some reason I get the dopamine of buying it. Usually by the time I open my app and remember I did that I don’t “need” that thing anymore and remove it from my cart.

Also, check out: What can I do next to make my money work for me?

[Shelley]

Damage control that worked for me was shopping at stores with great return policies. So when I was feeling better I could return it.

[Sophie]

Cancel your credit card or if you absolutely need one make it with a very low limit. Calculate what are musts to put on credit every month and that’s what it should be. Better would be to get pre paid credit cards when you need them if it’s for a must have purchase on line.

[Tammy]

I believe there are many self help groups you can get in to for finances, mental health, life choice support. Both on line and in person. Good luck! You’ve made several really positive steps in the right direction.

Don’t miss: What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done in an effort to save money?

[Karen]

Another area to save is on your utilities. At my house we keep a sharp eye on all of bills…..electric, propane, water & cell phone. We also keep a tight reign on our grocery bills. I have a friend who frequents a food pantry…….you drive up, open your trunk & people fill out with boxes of food. I get three things they won’t eat or that they get to much of. You might want to search out places in your area that do something like that or similar.

[Shirley]

Looking back on my life, I realized that shopping was my social life. Rather than planning outings with friends I went shopping. I loved clothes and shoes,….And bargains!!! Before I retired my Saturdays were spent shopping for clothes that I had no place to wear because I had not built up a social life!

Or for making my house pretty for no friends to see, because I had no social life. Shopping for all kinds of kitchen and cooking items, but no one to cook for because I had no social life.

Sad thing is I made friends easily, but I put forth no effort in socializing with them. I was a fun person but all my friendships were superficial only because I put forth no effort. People invited me, but I never invited them! I even went shopping alone!!

This can leave a big void in your life that you are trying to fill with shopping. Maybe you should try filling your life with people instead of things. I’m 76 now and I sure wish I had focused more on friendships and less on shopping.

[Sue]

Keep busy. Maybe volunteer at a food pantry, animal shelter or other. I always come home from volunteering with a new perspective every, single time.

Keep busy and stay away from browsing while shopping. Stick to your list. Go through your existing items and reuse them.

[Author]

Posts