| American spending is out of control! American | | | | another? |
| consumers are more than $600 billion in credit | | | | -Do I live in constant chaos and worry about |
| card debt alone. We are a society that wants | | | | money? |
| everything now, with no thought to how it we'll | | | | If you answered yes to any of the questions |
| pay for it later. Many experts worry that the | | | | above, it may be time to seek both financial and |
| ease in which Americans can obtain high levels of | | | | emotional counseling. Therapy can help you sort |
| credit is turning into shopping addicts. | | | | out the feelings behind your need to buy love and |
| Spending money (even if we don't have it), is | | | | admiration, while credit counseling can help you |
| mesmerizing. Whipping out the gold or platinum | | | | sort out your financial mess and get back on |
| card makes us feel important and powerful. When | | | | track. |
| in reality overspending can cause you to lose your | | | | How can you get started on the road to financial |
| sense of balance, well being and rationalization. | | | | freedom? Start here: |
| So, how do you know if you've crossed the line | | | | Acknowledging that you are addicted to shopping. |
| from over-indulging to compulsive shopping? When | | | | Denial is a strong incentive to keep shopping. Take |
| shopping is the only thing that makes you feel | | | | a good look at your bills. Are they reasonable? |
| good, it may be time to go cold turkey. It's one | | | | Make a list of everything you owe - no matter |
| thing to buy a new pair of shoes once in awhile | | | | how big or small the amount. Now, look around |
| when you're feeling down, and another when you | | | | your house. Are you really living the lifestyle of |
| have to hit the mall for a hit in order to get | | | | someone with so much debt? Most of us are |
| through the day. When every new purchase | | | | surprised at how little substance accumulated |
| brings you a sudden rush of excitement and | | | | along with this huge debt. |
| pleasure, making it necessary to indulge in just | | | | Find a credit counselor. Learn to spend more |
| one more item you don't need, your body has | | | | sensibly. Create a budget and stick t it. |
| turned the rush of serotonin from your brain's | | | | Pay smaller bills first. This will give you some level |
| neurotransmitters into an addictive chemical | | | | of success, and the strength to keep going. |
| response to shopping. | | | | Find new ways to feel good. Exercise is known to |
| In short: when shopping gets you "high," it's time | | | | release the same levels of feel good chemicals |
| to stop. To see if your shopping sprees may be | | | | into your body as shopping. Get high on exercise |
| more than just a day out, Debtor's Anonymous | | | | instead. |
| suggests asking yourself these key questions: | | | | Get support. Talk with friends, family, or a good |
| -Do I shop to make myself feel better, happier, | | | | counselor. Join an over-spender's support group if |
| or more liked by those around me? | | | | necessary, just be sure to surround yourself with |
| -Do I often hide my purchases from my friends | | | | people who can understand your addiction, and |
| and family? | | | | support your recovery. |
| -Do I worry how I'll pay for my purchases, but | | | | Learn to be content. Do you like your car? Then, |
| buy them anyway? | | | | why buy a new one? Stop trying to impress |
| -Do I consistently spend more than I make? | | | | those around you with things. Learn to be happy |
| -Do I feel shame or guilt after a purchase? | | | | with what you already have. |
| -Am I using bill money to buy senseless items? | | | | Control your spending, find new ways to make |
| -Do I panic at the thought of living without my | | | | yourself content and happy, and someday you |
| credit cards? | | | | may open the mailbox to discover all of your |
| -Do I regularly use one credit card to pay off | | | | outstanding debt has been aid in full. |