Araghhhh I can't stop unecessary spending - help!!

kinkypixie

Right, firstly, I love this site, I've only been on it two weeks but I have really got my act together and sorted out my debt and already cancelled 2 of my 7 CC's. Well done me:j .

But, I can't seem to stop myself spending. I popped out today to Primark and some other shops and ended up spending £15!!

Now, I know the best advice is 'don't go out!!!' but I get really agitated.

Do you guys have any tips which stop you from spending, for the sake of it? I really enjoy it at the time, but then feel sooooo bad.

skylight

Training. You have to re-train, or re-program yourself not to spend unneccessarily.

Not easy, not simple but you can only do this yourself.

£15 off a credit card is less interest (get Barnaby Bear to work it out - he can tell you how much paying £15 NOW would save in interest over the year. I can't do it, don't know how!!)

In the same vein, you do need to spend a little on yourself sometimes so don't beat yourself up over it - just don't spend masses and masses, Set a small budget.

kathfisch

Ooh, good question!!

Have you thought why you spend? What do you spend on? I tend to spend money on clothes and food when I'm feeling low, its all about self comfort and treating myself when I feel down. Of course it doesn't make me feel any better long term but in the moment it does! I now try and remind myself, when I get the urge, that I don't need whatever it is and it will not make me happy.

Another tactic is to do your statement of affairs/budget and have the shock of realising how much the little things add up. Best way to stop spending? ... keep a spending diary :rotfl: Think what else all that money could be spent on (saving you interest now by paying off your debts, saving up for something bigger and longer lasting like a house maybe in future).

Good luck!

MartialArtMan

Yeah go out with empty pockets - no money or cards

kinkypixie

All these suggestions are great, thank you all.

I am the same as you Kath, just little things to cheer me up, clothes and food. I haven't started a spending diary, I tell myself next month, but I'm starting to think, the sooner the better!!

nickm122

Just think to yourself next time your in a shop looking at those nice shoes or whatever, "Do I Really Need Them?"

I had the same problem as you and do still occasionally spend money on things I should'nt and I get a guilty feeling as if I am cheating myself!!

Helonearth

Just a thought, but if your weakness is clothes or shoes, you can always take them back and get a refund. Bit more difficult with comfort food you have already eaten though!
Good luck

lonely_2

This will stop you spending in Primark or all those other "bargain" places:
http://www.nosweat.org.uk/node/156

I too have a problem with spending though, I spend to feel better about myself. It's an addiction...like any other. The way I have been trying to cope is to make myself feel the same buzz I get when I buy a new dress or shoes, when I see myself able to budget 1000 pounds at the start of the month (before DMP would have been left with 250 after all debt payments - for food, bills, everything!)

Just last week I bought two French Connection dresses that I really didn't need but looks so pretty - well, everyone falls off the wagon once in a while!

lonely_2

Helonearth wrote: »

Just a thought, but if your weakness is clothes or shoes, you can always take them back and get a refund. Bit more difficult with comfort food you have already eaten though!
Good luck

i know the feeling!

kinkypixie

Thanks for all your replies!!

Lonely, I loved your reply about the dresses, do you ever hope that when you go to try them on that they look rubbish

GirlRacer_2

kinkypixie wrote: »

Thanks for all your replies!!

Lonely, I loved your reply about the dresses, do you ever hope that when you go to try them on that they look rubbish

:rotfl: yeah I know what you mean here. Do you find that the expensive dresses look great on you but the cheap ones look awful