Shopping. I'm scaring myself.

[BECCALICIOUS!]

I know someone else posted a thread in here about this, but I kind of have a different situation I think.

Lately I've been shopping a LOT. I've probably spent about $200 in the new year ALONE on clothes, food, craft supplies, going out, and whatnot. Not to mention that I don't have a source of income: my parents give me money. It's gotten to the point where a few days ago, I actually stole money from them. I don't know what to do. I don't want this to turn into a full-blown addiction. Could someone tell me some steps I could take to curb this habit?

[diamondprincess]

its hard being a shopaholic, the easiest way to cut down on your spending is to tell the people around to hide and not give you money and you could just spend a little less when you go out. give yourself a limit and do what it takes to not pass it. maybe your not a shopaholic maybe you just have anxiety to spend money in which case you should try to only buy 1 thing when you feel the need to spend. good luck i hope i was a bit of help. let me know if you need anything else.

[BECCALICIOUS!]

I don't think I'm a shopaholic. But I have bipolar disorder and anxiety issues and lately has been an interesting point in my life. I've also dealt with addictive behaviors before and I don't want this to become another one. Your advice helped a LOT; I'll try to take it tomorrow when... I'm yet again out shopping.

[Emily.]

You might also want to try not shopping so much. I know that seems obvious, but if you aren't at the store, you can't buy anything. I have a habit of spending too much money when I go out too so I just don't go anymore. I'll plan maybe two trips a month and only take with me X amount of dollars. This way it's impossible to overspend.

[AlkalineTears]

put all your money in a bank account that doesnt let you spend for a year

[BECCALICIOUS!]

Today I went to IKEA. I set myself a limit and stuck well under half of it and got a lot of things I wanted!!! I was so proud of myself

[Ryan1]

I know you don’t want to hear this but it’s for your own good, you’ve got a full blown addiction to shopping already – Stealing is a red flag and that’s the reason for my accusation.

First and foremost – Tell your parents you took the money and say why. Also ask them to watch your spending hobbits because you feel its going out of line.

Get a job and pay them back! Then save 50% of each pay-check, the rest is yours to spend. Remember however that the 50% you put away isn’t to be touched, not even a simple loan to yourself.

This is a serious addiction that can really cause you some major hardships in your life if you don’t change your ways as early as possible. You’ve already made the first step in admitting I’ve got a problem. For most that’s the hardest step.

[BECCALICIOUS!]

I can't admit it to my parents. It'll cause more problems than it's worth. And I know that's really frustrating when trying to help someone, but I'm already in therapy for my bipolar disorder, so I might talk to my therapist about it.

I payed my sister back, at least. And my plan WAS to get a job and pay them back... ironically. And do exactly what you said, Ryan1: save a certain portion of my paycheck to not be touched (though not necessarily 50%). Your advice was really helpful.

[Singing to the starlight]

Well done on the ikea thing Becca.
I have a really awful relationship with money, and shopping and suchlike.
You should try to figure out what you spend the most part of your money on and then figure out why you want these items so much.

For example. I buy a LOT of clothes and toiletries every month. I think this is because of my low self esteem. I think if I can buy loads of nice clothes and toiletries and make myself look/feel/smell nice, then all my troubles will go away.
I think this step is a good one to take.

Good luck.