Shopping Too Much?

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

I’m seeing more and more clients who are banking on retail therapy to get them through this recession. They’re using shopping to numb the worry and stress of unsteady income, shaky jobs, treacherous home mortgages and rising food and gas prices. When they feel bad for whatever reason, off to the mall, bookstore or even grocery store they go. We’ve all heard it: “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping!”

Most of us know in our heads that this is a dangerous road but we all have a vice or two. If you’re faced with this dilemma here are a few things you can do:

• Shop with a friend or family member who will hold you accountable (and who won’t join you in making purchases you both know you shouldn’t)
• Use a list and promise yourself not to deviate from it
• Use your debit card (did you know that if you are carrying a balance on your credit card, there is not grace period - interest starts adding on immediately)
• Create a “cooling off” period by putting items on hold and coming back in 24 or 48 hours
• Ask yourself “Do I need this or do I want it?” (Download my free “Wishes and Needs” Worksheet)
• Develop a list of fun things to do and choose one when you feel like shopping
• Know that it’s OK to have the urge to shop and not respond
• Find another way to get your “fix”
• Stay off the internet if that’s your shopping vice

My weaknesses are books and trainings. In the case of books, I’ve made a vow (and I want you all to hold me to it) that I’m going to re-read every one of the books that I’ve got in my office. I’m sure there are a few I’ve never even gotten to! I also like to read novels so I’m going to put $20 per month in my Fun bucket for those (I get them used at our local bookstore - Artifacts - and take the ones I’m finished with back for store credit) so I can keep from feeling deprived. It’s a serious reduction from what I spent last year.

What’s your vice? What are your alternatives? How will you keep from feeling deprived with your new choices?

Warmly, Cindy Morus

P.S. Right now I’m reading The E-Myth for Physicians by Michael Gerber.