Support needed from fellow shopping addicts!

ss3n08

A good cuddle is better than any new dress xxxx

LittleMissDetermined

ss3n08 wrote: »

A good cuddle is better than any new dress xxxx

Agreed! Cuddles are scrumptious

bargainbetty

If you have lots of beauty products, have a look at the 'No buying toiletries in July' thread.

They tell you to prepare a full list of everything you have in your stash, and challenge you to use up products before you can buy anything else. I still have too much, but I haven't bought moisturiser in over a year and am still going strong on the stash.

Do the same for your wardrobe and other inventories too - you might find you have tons more than you thought, and can shop from your own wardrobe, DVD stack, beauty box etc for a while.

Good luck

KT2802

Missmaterialgirl wrote: »

I would also like to recommend a FANTASTIC book by Neradine Tisaj called 'How to give up shopping' (what else?!?!) This lady isns a psychologist, financial adviser, or any kind of expert really, but she is someone who adores shopping, finds it hard to say no and basically is very easy to relate to. She was in a lot of debt despite having a good job and she has managedto get her spending under control through mind over matter.Its a fantastic book and the good news is that you can buy it used on amazon for one penny!
Keep the support and tips coming, it's really helpful. Better going on here than the Topshop website....xxxxx

Just ordered, thank you! Payed using a survey voucher too so even more money saving :money:

simeyb wrote: »

This is a really good thread. For me, the reason that I would spend and what got me into debt was that (for various reasons I won't bore you with) I was desperately unhappy in my relationship - OP - not suggesting this is the same for you at all, but is why I racked up so much debt, compensating for being unhappy. Since being with my new OH, we have had to work through the debt via my DMP but its been fine as we are both so happy, nothing a cruddy card company could throw at us could create an issue.

I can relate to this - I definitely spend money due to unhappiness, mine is not relationship but job related. Things are slightly more under control at the moment but I fear that is because the banks aren't willing to lend me anymore money saying that, I have been put off getting into debt again but I still find myself wanting to make purchases on my catalogue accounts at times

vanessav

Can't add much to the good advice so far. Charity shops can be great for clothes - if you have the time as you need to hunt a bit. A small monthly budget for buying nonsense is a good idea as escapist treats make all the difference. And SORT through clothes and sell/ give away things you don't wear. Thinning your wardrobe means that you have more to wear compared to when it is crammed full of clothes. I found Trinny and Suzanna's book 'what you wear can change you life' really helped me sift through my clothes. It recommends what colours go together so now I wear combinations I would never have managed on my own!
Oh, and I having nearly reached my fifties, I can honestly say that reasonably priced cosmetics can do as good as job as the likes of Guerlain etc.

mrsd1984

What about trying to earn a bit extra money (surveys, selling, tcb, quidco, etc) and using that money as 'treat' money. That way you are not touching what comes in monthly which will leave more left over for debts, etc, and also the harder you work, the more money you get and the more treats you can buy.

OR

Use ebay for buying clothes. I got a maxi dress last Summer which I wore loads, and it's a lovely stretchy material which is fitting nicely over my 9 month bump as we speak.

Missmaterialgirl

Thank you all so much for your comments so far, I didnt think posting on here would be as helpful as it has been so far. Sometimes, as no one ever talks about money, Ive felt that m the only one in this situation and that it is just normal to be a shopaholic-it isn't normal when its making me feel how it does though is it?!
The posts have given me a lot of food for thought and the first thing Im gonna do is have a huge sort out of all my 'stuff.' There is no need for me to buy anymore clothes, bags, shoes, beauty products, books or DVDs as I clearly already have hundreds and perhaps it would be more fun to go through them and try out new combinations of styles, etc, rather than simply mindlessly add to them....!
Youve also all inspired me to get back Ebaying, I used to do this a lot and it does help.
I would really like to keep this thread going as it is helping. No doubt I will have bad days but I am glad I have support on here. At some point I will get round to posting my debts on here but Im not at that stage yet Im afraid!
While I think ahead, if anyone can recommend any money saving tips for grocery shopping that'd also be useful. We are foodies in our house and beans on toast every night just won't cut it, so if anyone has any suggestions for cheap but tasty meals that would also be great.

Together we will live the champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget eh?!?!:beer:

Upsidedown_Bear

Hello :wave:

If you haven't already I'd suggest having a look at the Old Style board.
They know everything there is to know about making the pennies stretch especially will regard to groceries/meal planning etc.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=33

I don't like champagne so living a lemonade life style on a lemonade budget is not so difficult

mrsd1984

Plan your meals for the week and make a list before you go. Our budget is currently £120 a month for the 2 of us. That's very do-able, but where I stumble is the popping in to get treats during the week. Try dropping a brand. I'll try value products once. If I don't like them we won't have them again, but most have been nice. Also, keep an eye on aldi's super 6. From what I've read they have butternut squash and courgettes coming up next. I love roasting them but don't often buy them. Will definitely be in my basket at the next shop. Baking as well can save money on buying cakes. I was doing quite a bit but I'm currently too hot and too pregnant and have gone on strike!!

Determined_diva

Love this thread! Just bought the book too :-)
DDx