How to kick out my Compulsive Shopping Disorder…….
August 19, 2009 by wmwatchn
1. Cancel all but one credit card. Put those out of reach–in a safe deposit box or frozen in ice.
2. Use cash for paying. No ATMs, bring limited amount of cash.
3. Always carry a shopping list — and stick to it!
4. Avoid malls and shopping areas. Remove temptation. Cancel catalogs. Don’t shop on lunch breaks or kill time at the mall.
5. Window shop after stores close. Feel the urge during the day? No problem, just leave cash and credit cards behind.
6. See SALE signs? Turn around quickly!! Walk the other way!!!
7. Don’t be a Net victim. Think of credit card frauds.
8. When buying gifts for friends or relatives, make a list. And stick to it.
9. Use mind diverting strategies — exercise, take a walk, chat with friends, read a book, listen to some music – every time I feel the urge to shop.
10. Create a “shopping diary.” Record purchases for a month. What time is it? Where am I? How do I feel before buying the item? What about after; Do I need the item or just want it? How much does it cost?
11. Look for patterns. Do I shop out of insecurity? In celebration of a break up with a boring partner? Out of boredom? Write one page on each motive. Detail how overspending affects my financial security, and how life could be happier with some changes.
12. Set a goal for saving, with an amount and a target date. For example, “I’ll save P 48,000 for emergencies by this year.” By setting aside P4,000 a month, I can meet it.
