If you have doubts about being addicted to shopping there is a good chance you are one. This is one step closer to solving your problem, becoming informed.
To help you get a quick glance at your expenses, try Mint.com. This site has a great little tool to let you see shopping trends: how was much was spent on food vs clothing stores? You could start by entering your credit card information at the minimum, and Mint will automatically categorize expenses for you and show you a chart! You can also see how you compare to other people in your area.
It might be good for you to find out what you are trying to fill in by buying. Are you unhappy about a relationship? Are you overworking yourself so that you need to have a lot of "I deserve that" moments? Even if you can afford it, shopping can rarely bring a lasting comforting feeling, it is a quick fix.
So really, what should you do?
1) Confide, share, help others!: Before you begin this journey you need to figure out how you will document it, because this will be one of the accomplishments you are most proud off once your problem is solved. This will also help others follow your steps so that they can help themselves.
To help you bring some order to your chaos, this notebook layout will help you organize yourself.
2) Photography & Crafts: a hobby that engages your visual sense can help you satisfy a need to buy pretty things, pretty clothes, accessories, etc. You could also try any type of art, and if you do believe you have a great sense of fashion, start your own business! At etsy.com you can find many women who are selling their fashion creations with great success.
3)"Walletless" shopping: I have done this before and it works. Having to return to the store to buy the item you saw yesterday will make it more difficult for you to shop.
4) Create a Blast bank account: Regardless of the bank accounts you have now, create two bank accounts, one for savings, and ...listen to this, the other you can call Blast, and you will use to have a good time and spend as you want. This will keep you from shopping starvation while keeping you within budget AND saving. I came across this idea in the best seller Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker and have tried it myself!
5) Watch less TV, but less fashion magazines: This is crucial. TV is often a way to let yourself be influenced by OTHERS, what they think you should be buying, and yes, how you should look too. This is no news to you, you have heard this many times.
A few days ago I was shocked to hear from a friend that her 4 years old daughter thought she was not pretty because she was not wearing make-up! This is scary, and thankfully some organizations such as the loveyourbody are addressing it for good.
Feel free to send me your own suggestions, WHAT WORKED FOR YOU?
Credits
Beach girl photo by Laura Hertzfeld http://flickr.com/photos/leh
