Control the Splurge

Do you get the urge to shop when you are upset just to make you feel better? Do you buy things on a whim and realize later that you do not really need or even want them? Do you prefer shopping over other social activities? Are most of your credit cards max-ed out or almost near their limits? Do you feel depressed and worthless if you do not have shopping money? If you answer yes to at least two of these questions, you might be suffering from compulsive shopping.

Compulsive shopping per se is not harmful unless it has gone out of control and start to negatively affect other aspects of your life. If you spend more time in the mall than with your friends and family, or neglect your other chores and responsibilities, or mismanage your finances and spend too much just to fill your obsession with shopping, you might want to consider some ways to get your shopping under control.

Here are some helpful advise on how to control the splurge: Always shop with a list, and buy what's only necessary. Live within your means, if you can't afford that Prada handbag, do not buy it. Do not carry too much cash. Put your credit cards in a locked box and only use them when extremely necessary.

You worked hard for that money so spend it wisely. Buy something special for yourself only if you think you deserve it. It will take a lot of discipline to curb the habit and better start now before it's too late.