New DFW Needing Help

Catseyez

Hi Han, :hello:

Welcome to the DFW board!

You sound just like I used to be! The temptation of spending is a difficult one to overcome. It probably sounds really obvious but my advice to you is to just stay away from the shops as much as you can. If you do go out, keep your cards at home so you won't be able to use them.

When I was claiming back my bank charges (on credit cards), I was forced to look back over 10 years worth of statements and for the first time, had to acknowledge how much money I had wasted on crap. Perhaps you could look at your old statements and see how much you've wasted over the years?

I also used to buy a lot of clothes that I was less than 100% about. Most of those clothes never got worn. So if you do find yourself in a shop, keep asking yourself if you are 100% certain that you a) like the item, b) will wear it and c) if you need it. Asking yourself these questions, will at least slow down the buying process and may even prevent you from buying in the first place. Also, try leaving the item in the shop and going for a walk to see if you still want it 30 mins later.

Another tactic I use (I still hanker after nice things but don't want to getin debt again) is to park in an area that only allows one hour of free parking. Either that, or I only pay for one hour's parking at the car park. That really helps as it limits the number of shops I can go into.

Good luck!

misspoppy

It sounds like you are doing all the telephoning, maybe this needs to be re-balanced.

Maybe your boyfriend could ask if he can have the computer at a set time that you can call him on or instant message, if you want to go to NY you will have to make sacrifices.

han2505

Ok i get what your saying misspoppy, but i am wanting some to aim for and something to keep me motivated. I have already been to NY but am wanting to clear everything so that i have the oppertunity to go again if i want. There isnt particually anything else i want to aim for.

I know i have to cut back, but its hard...thats why i came on here for help.

art_student

Hi Han! you say that you are not in control of your spending - is this because you are not in control of your finances? I used to have no idea what I was spending money on or what my bank balance was but now that I am on top of that, I am more controlled with my spending. I ahve done an excel speadsheet of my finances to help me and online banking is great. Maybe it is worth having one account for bills and payments towards debt and one account for going out, clothes etc. Pay yourself an allowance into the second account each month and make it a really basic account with no overdraft and only take cash out of it. That way you won't be able to spend more money than you actually have in the account.
good luck with sorting it out, it is great that you have recognised that it is important and getting into good habits now will really help you in the long run!