” I can’t believe we owe this much money on our credit cards from the holidays! What happened? This debt will take months to pay off and has put us in serious financially trouble.” ” I’m sorry. I guess I spent a little too much. I didn’t mean to put us in debt.”

Shopping can be the seasonal balm for those who are depressed, lonely and /or anxious during the holidays. The harsh reality of the consequences of such action hits hard in January when credit card bills begin to arrive. Other times of the year, shopping is the activity engaged in to numb out feelings of angry, depression and loneliness. It serves as a momentary pick-me-up but ends in depression, financial hardship and relationship problems.

If you or someone you know tends to buy things that can’t be paid for or purchase items that are completely unnecessary, here are possible warning signs that compulsive shopping may be involved.

                            You:

1) Shop when you are emotionally upset.

2) Feel a “high” or rush when you purchase things

   3) Compulsively buy certain items like shoes, kitchen towels, etc.

   4) Experience financial hardship as a result of too much buying.

    5) Argue with others over your spending habits.

  6) Don’t use purchased items.

   7) Feel out of control when spending.

   8) Spend too much time juggling accrued bills.

   9) Accrue an unmanageable credit card debt.

  10) Intend to buy one or two items but buy many more.

If you need help with Compulsive Shopping, click on Strategies to Break Compulsive Shopping in tomorrow’s blog.