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Out of Control Spending - Understanding Finance and Money

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



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