Shopping Addictions
Posted by Gail | Filed under Debt Traps, Smart Shopper
I’ve worked with more than a few people who shop compulsively. There’s the girl who keeps buying shoes, handbags, dresses even though each purchase means she’s going further and further into debt. Or the boy who can’t walk into a home-improvement store without buying yet one more nifty new tool. The grandmother who just has to pick up another outfit for her new grand-baby. The woman who has thousands of dollars in scrapbooking accoutrements but can’t pass up that new stamp set.
Compulsive buying was first identified by a German doctor in 1915 who called it “oniomania” for the Greek term “onios,” which means “for sale.” And the American Psychiatric Association’s catalog of officially recognized psychiatric disorders is actually considering it for inclusion in the next edition to be released in 2011.
Shop-a-holics are a new breed of addict. Once upon a time when a certain body experienced a setback or a disappointment, it hoisted a few and felt better. Today, there’s a breed of cat that heads for the stores when they’re angry or scared. Ultimately the relief they feel is short-lived because their spending habits have not only created chaos in their own lives, they’ve creating conflicts with close friends and family.
Shopping is a double edged sword; the chronic shopper feels a rush of euphoria mixed with anxiety when she whips out her credit card to pay for something she would never buy with cash. Some get high off the sense that they are being reckless. They know what they are doing is dangerous – forbidden even – and when they get home they’re riddled with guilt. Their embarrassment causes them to hide their purchases, to lie to the people whom they love the most, and to feel confused.
These aren’t needs or even wants that are being satisfied since often the object purchased goes unused. Shirts and dresses hang in closets with the tags still on. And who actually “needs” 14 pairs of running shoes? Or 100 pairs of jeans? Even though shop-a-holics know it is dangerous to head out the door with credit cards in their wallets, they would feel lost without them.
Compulsive shopping seems to be born out of a sense of deprivation in childhood. It’s also associated with an inability to cope with negative feelings. So when a chronic shopper feels pain, loneliness or fear, she heads out to the stores to salve her misery with a shopping balm. And if he’s bored or angry, spending some money always seems to make the discomfort go away.
No doubt you’ve heard me ask people, “So what’s missing?” when I’m trying to uncover the reason for their shopping mania. Shop-a-holics are often trying to fill a void – some longing or sense of emptiness they don’t understand.
Whether you’re seeking a rush of excitement from the acquisition of a new something, seeking approval from friends and co-workers or attempting to satisfy your sense of perfectionism, shopping beyond your means is highly destructive. And if you’ve got an impulse control problem, it’s time to take control.
Wondering if you’re a shop-a-holic. Take this test to see.
January 15, 2010 at 7:35 am
scored 21 today…would have been MUCH higher a couple of years ago…cash therapy got us through alot of difficult times…also caused some difficult times…we have found the right path now and all is well once again in our house…
January 15, 2010 at 7:39 am
Gail – your test doesn’t add up the scores at the bottom. I got 18! Not a real surprise, I knew I wasn’t a shopaholic before I started. In fact, I don’t like it in any fashion. Hate the malls.
I spend even less now that I have Gail in my head. Just yesterday, I was at Canadian Tire, to put some moolah on the credit card, so I had a walk around and saw these containers that were on clearance (But they were on SALE!!), and as I was looking at them I heard Gail say “Do you really need those?” I put them down and hightailed it outta there!
January 15, 2010 at 8:19 am
I never considered myself to have a shopping addiction… but I scored a 42… Yikes! I don’t buy a ton of clothes or shoes, but the grocery store and buying things for the house and child, that’s what does it for me.
Guess I have more work to do on myself than I thought…
January 15, 2010 at 8:34 am
44… I knew I was compulsive. It’s most on food/snacks at work. I get bored and go down to Shoppers Drug Mart…
I think my compulsive shopping is in line with my compulsive eating. Maybe that’s why the scale has been standing still lately in spite of all the times I go to the gym…
January 15, 2010 at 8:44 am
Gee… only a 14. Can you tell I’m not into shopping? I shop once a week, with a list, and almost always with a purpose.
January 15, 2010 at 8:57 am
Scored 17 on that test. my only issue is my impulsive buying. but I’m working on that.
regards,
Jason
January 15, 2010 at 9:03 am
I scored a 26.
3 years ago, I would have been at a 40 I think, but I never spent myself into having $0 in the bank account.
But your quiz focuses more on the urge and impulses.
Even though I feel a strong compulsion to buy things, or a rush when I get into the store, I clamp down on my emotions.
I don’t end up buying ANYTHING 90% of the time, due to my move towards minimalism.
I just run through my questions in my head, rationalize it out with how much I have in the bank — although I can pretty much buy anything I want, as I have the money saved —- and then I put it back if I cannot find a REAL reason to need or use it.
Honestly, maybe it’s just my discipline kicking in after 4 years of budgeting, getting out of debt and saving, but I’m pretty good at controlling my urges.
January 15, 2010 at 9:07 am
27- I am impulsive and I know that- my biggest thing is SALES- these didn’t exist when I was a kid- I remember the excitement of the 50-60-70% off starting in the late 80s. Now it happens all the time. But OMG did those sales ever create a huge buzz when they came around.
January 15, 2010 at 9:11 am
I got 26, but that’s because I incorporated my “old ways” into the test. Then I took the test using today’s buying habits, and my score was 17.
January 15, 2010 at 9:12 am
I scored a 37 – way higher than I want to be.
My problem is compulsive shopping. The only good thing about this is I have no problem paying for the shopping …. right now.
But, I definitely want to address this issue and see if I can get better control over it.
January 15, 2010 at 9:17 am
I scored a 17…I despise shopping…the last place I want to be is in a crowded shopping mall.
About 15 years ago I probably would have scored higher.
January 15, 2010 at 9:30 am
I got 14 (you have to click the box on the bottom to get your score). I shop because I need to get something. I don’t like shopping for myself – unless I don’t have to try it on! I shop at sales or second hand shops. If we need to purchase something that will cost a lot of money, I research the heck out of it first, to make sure of exactly what we need, and where the best price is.
January 15, 2010 at 9:35 am
okay…I scored 12…but I knew my score would be low, I seem to have the opposite of impulse buying, everthing I buy is very well planned out…and I avoid buying even things I need until it is totally necessary. I need to relax a bit about spending, while I have always been frugal I find that the older I get the more uncomfortable I am with spending.
January 15, 2010 at 9:56 am
Its funny you know as a trade worker I see all the cool tools bought and yet most of the time a good quality moderate priced non gimmick tools does the job and lasts longer.
January 15, 2010 at 10:01 am
uh oh unlucky 13 scored
January 15, 2010 at 10:10 am
I got a 22, and it too had to do with the urges. However, I rarely give in to them. I hate shopping and I hate malls, so when I have to go its bloody painful. Often times I decide I am going shopping because I need to get some something. I am famous for putting stuff in my cart driving it around the store and then when it is time to go to the check-out, look at it and see do I really need this and do I want to part with my cash to buy. The answer is usually no, and I leave the store. However there are times I just really want to go and buy something and I think its because I shop so rarely that once every 6 months, I get the “I must go shopping” urge. But most of the time when I do go, cash in hand I usually leave cash in hand. That said I have to go shopping this weekend and I am dreading it.
January 15, 2010 at 10:18 am
18 – But I knew I wouldn’t score high. I HATE shopping and only go out to stores when I absolutely have to. I always knew I wasn’t a shopaholic, instead I have had different demons, but they’re going to be history soon!
Interesting post as usual Gail. Even when they don’t really apply to me, they’re still a good read!
January 15, 2010 at 10:24 am
For a good laugh, watch “Confessions of a Shop-a-holic” (or read the book of the same title by Sophie Kinsella).
January 15, 2010 at 10:27 am
Scored a 19, I enjoy going to the mall’s in the bigger citys like last weekend We went to a main mall in calgary and I was relaxed in just walking about and checking out things. I didnt need anything and wasnt tempted to buy. Even 3 months ago I would have just cause but NOTHING!! I love the zen that a budget makes me feel and Ive never felt more in control of my life Thanks all
January 15, 2010 at 10:40 am
Scored a 20. When I go shopping, it is for a purpose. I think my main downfall is for my kids. I tend to “stock up” on purchases for other occasions. So, for instance, if I see a pair of jeans on sale in my step-son’s size (I mean ridicuously low price of $6.98 from $40), then I will see if there are any other ones in his size and buy a bunch. In that way, I have some gifts on hand for his b-day and back-to-school. He is 17, so is not going through a grow-spurt.
I shop the sales and rarely buy full-price. There is always a sale coming up. I know sometimes though, there is a special occasion that you need something for, and unfortunately have to pay full-price for. That is a rarity, but it does happen.
Plus, I don’t hang around the malls in my spare time. That also cuts the temptation.
January 15, 2010 at 10:49 am
Hit lucky 13. I hate shopping with a passion, and buying even more. Plus I love research. An ex described me shopping as like watching one of those movies where the bad guys rob a bank – I’m shopping as if someone is by the door yelling “15 seconds! 30 seconds! 45 seconds!”.
January 15, 2010 at 10:53 am
Shop too much? Sit on the couch too long? Have problems with being selfish? There’s a categorized disorder for that…
Wouldn’t it be nice if as a society can we be accountable for our own actions rather than blaming some genetic or environmental factor? Le sigh
January 15, 2010 at 11:01 am
Got 30.
But I mostly got the points in the impulse questions, but not in the following-up-on-the-impulses questions.
January 15, 2010 at 11:03 am
Scored 17!! YAY me! When I was younger I would have definitely scored higher on that test… I’m a reformed shopaholic lol. Thanks Gail!
January 15, 2010 at 11:10 am
I’m with E on this one. A person may be prone to addiction but all addictions start with a choice. They can all end the same way.
I don’t like that there’s a disorder for everything. Our quirks and manias are what make us unique and human. Check out this article for people making a go of it just as they are.
http://www.happynews.com/news/1292009/autism-seen-asset-not-liability-jobs.htm
January 15, 2010 at 11:19 am
43??? OMG! Now I am scared. I will be spending the weekend in therapy if anyone needs me.
January 15, 2010 at 11:23 am
I agree with E as well great point
January 15, 2010 at 11:34 am
Wow, I scored a 43. However, I did go with my old ways. I still have the instincts to shop but I don’t. I consider myself on the road to recovery as I no longer act out on the feelings to buy something. In fact, I have instituated February and March as buy nothing months. Nothing except gas, basic food essentials, and pet requirements such as food and kitty litter.
Someone above mentioned the 80’s and the birth of the super sales. I think that’s right on. The 80’s were also the time when I think shopping as a past-time became an accepted part of our middle-class society. I.E. What are you doing the weekend? Going to the Mall. It was BUY, BUY, BUY
Also with that came the shopping vacations, trips across the boarder to partake of the US chains that we didn’t have in Canada, the trips to down south with the mornings on the beach and the afternoon in the malls.
I know that when someone tells me they are going to the states for the weekend, I assume, and am usually right, that they are going to shop.
Maybe this will be the decade when we as a society start to wise up to our blatent consumerism.
January 15, 2010 at 11:37 am
Eee… 36. Kinda shows that I need to be here. It would have been worse last year, because then I would have followed through on my impulses. The big ones for me were on having the impulses and the last one, regretting something I have said or done.
January 15, 2010 at 11:53 am
i scored a 17. i guess i’m not a shopaholic. figures, i hate malls.
January 15, 2010 at 12:08 pm
I scored 42 – because I was honest.
Shopping is sometimes a stress reliever for me. I don’t have to buy anything. I just enjoy looking at pretty things. Sometimes just getting a little kitchen gadget for $5 thrills me! When I’m feeling down a new top cheers me up. I’m working on identifying these instances and trying to plan my spending.
Yesterday I bought (charged) a slow cooker cookbook I have been eyeing and workout clothes. I am working hard to reduce my waistline and increase my cashflow. The workout clothes will help me and to cookbook will help to plan affordable meals and free up my time. All pluses! I bought the cookbook for more than 40% off at Costco and the workout clothes were a excellent price too for the quality. I did buy it on credit, but I know it will not remain consumer debt as I always pay my Amex in full each month.
I also order 2 new sports bras from the USA. I’ve been waiting for a sale for months. I really do need these. They cost $80+ each here and I was able to purchase them for $25 each! That’s over $110 savings. It was worth waiting for the sale.
Recognizing the impulsive behaviour is important. Asking ourselves questions and trying to change behaviours is empowering. I go through little spurts where I want to spend spend spend, and then I won’t buy anything for weeks.
In the last year I have gotten much better at being mindful of my spending. I plan more now. I also ask myself – Do I really need this? Where am I going to put? Will I wear it? will I use it? If the answer isn’t confident – it goes back.
January 15, 2010 at 12:10 pm
I scored 20. I like going to Malls and looking but I am very good about not purchasing most of the time. I do enjoy going to the States for a day of shopping but lots of times it tuns into looking instead. My weakness in the states is books (still significantly cheaper and girls clothes because of the selection).
I really hate shopping for clothes for myself. Very frustrating going in and out of dressing rooms. I tend to put that off.
January 15, 2010 at 12:15 pm
12!!!! I thought for sure it would be double but in answering the test honestly I saw I think out my purchases and flyers, sales etc.. don’t intice me.
Guess where I’m going this pm – to the mall. I’m going to exchange a housecoat I needed and bought on sale, but it is cold and clingy. So sale or no sale it is going back. I’m also going to do some grocery shopping. But I doubt I’ll buy anything other than a Tims tea at break time. Now that I took the test I feel better about going.
Great test Gail. Thanks!
January 15, 2010 at 12:26 pm
@Geoff another unlucky one
Now the curse of spendthrift is caste upon us!!
January 15, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Scored a 25!
If this were 5 years ago it would be in the 40s I’m sure. I used to be at the mall during my lunch break, then on weekends and there was never a day I came back to my desk or home empty handed. There was no such thing as making a shopping list back then for me. I felt like I was queen of the world when I saw the cashiers swipe my card. Then a few hours later, I’d sit at home or at my desk feeling guilty.
Now I hate shopping anywhere (probably because having an active toddler with you doesn’t give you much chance to browse — I always shop with a list now).
@chubby bunny — I always have Gail in my head too now.
As soon as I pick something up that isn’t on my list I hear her saying “You want to spend your money on this junk?” and I put it down and walk away. Feels good!
January 15, 2010 at 12:55 pm
I scored 40! I know I have to work on it! Especially now that the budget is tight with me on mat leave and my husband unemployed…
January 15, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Sadly 32…books always get me. Also, “stocking up” in the hope of better organization. Must knuckle down.
January 15, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Okay – got a 36 on the test. This is why I do not go to malls or anywhere else “window shopping” or any other kind of shopping. I try to have someone with me with the money to buy and I leave all the cards and cash at home if I’m accompanying a friend to the mall. I know I can be horrible. Thus I do not use this as entertainment anymore.
Case in point. Received money for Christmas so I could get my winter boots (after 15 years with the old ones they finally bit the dust!), and add the black pants, skirt and white shirt missing for my wardrobe. I walked out with the boots, and the Town Show Manolo Blahnik knock-offs I’ve been looking for for years. Went to the clothing store I like, got the pants, the skirt, the shirt, and 5 sweaters, 3 other shirts in other colours, another pair of pants, and a black dress. (doh!) it’s been nearly a year since I”ve shopped for myself in the clothing department. I spent way more than the money given me, and though I put it on the CC (GAH!), and it has added to my total debt, I probably could have done without the rest of the stuff. Of note I had purchased way more than that, got it home, had to do the fashion show thing for the BF so he could approve or disapprove the purchases and went back with about half of the stuff, that just didn’t look as good in real light. Wardrobe, updated and filled in, dent in CC smaller than original.
This is why I do not go to these places. I’m a boarder-line shopaholic and I know it. No malls for me. Only shop with a list now. If it’s not on the list it’s not in my hand or on my receipt. it makes Christmas shopping much more effective this way, and I don’t have the impulse monster to contend with. I have to own up the second I walk in my door and if I have one thought of “am I sure” then I leave the item in the store.
January 15, 2010 at 1:28 pm
I have a 19 … and the questions that got me are applicable not to “shopping” per se, but to the grocery store shopping! I see something yummy and have that urge to buy it and eat it!
January 15, 2010 at 2:10 pm
I scored a 31.
But that’s not shocking. Sometimes I do the shop, shop, shop thing, but very rarely… Unless it’s a bookstore! Those things are addictive! The majority of the time I’m very frugal with our money. Many times getting me to spend money has taken a big effort on someone else’s part and I’m usually comparing prices with services or functions of what I’m buying.
So, it’s a matter of hitting me on the right day, I suppose.
January 15, 2010 at 2:12 pm
26, 26, 26. Sounds about right. I do have impulses to shop, usually when I am bored, which luckily isn’t that often. When I do shop, I usually hit the specialty shops trying to find the perfect sideboard or mirror or boots or whatever. I usually have a good idea of what I want and the price I want to pay (fair value) and I’m patient so if its not perfect or the right price I am willing to wait. I waited 2 years for the right pair of boots!
Also, I’ve used Gails idea of “planned spending” and applied it to shopping, which helps control the impulses. A friend and I schedule a quarterly shopping trip down to the U.S., and then we save for three months for this trip. I love it. We can buy whatever we want (although we usually stick to our lists) and not feel guilty and its on budget. It helps that prices are better down there and the exchange rate is decent right now. (And, hey, who doesn’t love a mini-roadtrip.) And we always hit Costco on the way home and stock up on the cheap dairy and gas, leaving a little bit more room in the monthly budget!!
It works for me because nothing is worse than the high of shopping followed by the downer of guilt!!
January 15, 2010 at 2:38 pm
I got a 23!!
My score got bumped a bit b/c I often feel guilt over spending money even it’s for a need. I’m getting a lot better though.
January 15, 2010 at 2:59 pm
I didn’t take the test because I already know I have poor impulse control and am a shopaholic. I have gotten a lot better over the past year though, and stay out of the stores to avoid temptation. I still get the same obsessive thoughts, but now I just ask myself, “Where are you going to store this?” (I’m out of space at home) and remind myself, “You already have 3 of those at home.” So far it’s working pretty well. Could do better, but it’s a work in progress.
January 15, 2010 at 3:25 pm
I scored a 22 … which I think is about right.
I dislike shopping and all kinds of shopping whether its for groceries, home stuff or clothes. I feel like time spent in stores is time wasted. However but me in a book store and I could stay there for a couple hours. I love books but I am still very realistic about how many I need. Alot of my books are from friends, relatives or the libary. I dislike the malls the most because when I am in them I feel kind of grossed out by how consumer – driven our society is. This really affected me a Christmas time. Sometimes I wish I that I didn’t dislike shopping as much as I do because for the last 6 months I have been really needing to replace my workout outfit as the one I was wearing was coming apart at the seams (literally) and I looked like such a grub at the gym but I just didn’t want to waste my non-work hours at the stores looking for a replacement outfit. We also have been without window coverings in our family room for the last 8 months for the same reason. My mom is the polar opposite of me however. She LOVES to shop. Everything about shopping brings her joy.
January 15, 2010 at 4:47 pm
The first time I did this quiz I got 31. I beat myself up for my old habit of feeling guilty for having bought something I didn’t need. The second time, I wasn’t as hard on myself because I have found Gail. I got 24….which if you think about it is still higher than a lot of other posters today.
I don’t shop often as there aren’t many places TO shop. But, when I get to the city I like to go to HomeSense, Winners, kitchen stores etc. and salivate. Clothes and shoes are just something that are a necessary evil. I am so much better since November 2008 and I will continue to grow. Thanks Gail! (whose voice is often in my head too)
January 15, 2010 at 4:53 pm
We should all just make “WWGD” (what would Gail do?) stickers and stick em to our wallets. That’s what my boyfriend said when I came home with a new winter coat.
January 15, 2010 at 6:17 pm
I made a quick shopping trip today for some clothes with gift cards I got for Christmas. Shopping is painful for me and if it is for clothing makes me very depressed. I am short (4″11″) and about 15 lbs overweight so buying clothes is a challenge. I tried on 11 things and left with 2 so for me is really good. Of course if they hadn’t been 50-70% off I would have left them in the store. I am in and out as fast as I can be and the urge to buy more only hits when I lucky enough to find clothes that fit and flatter, that is rare so in those instances I do buy more since it could be many moons before I find something I like again. I too always have Gail in my head, and shop with cash only 95% of the time (not perfect but since everything used to be charged it is amazing). Its a process and needs tweeking once in awhile but we can’t forget there is sensible and then there is downright cheap when you don’t buy clothes when yours are in tatters and won’t buy a haircut since you can “do it” yourself. Fine in theory but everyone should make an effort to look presentable, unless you are housebound alone with your cat each time you leave home you are making an impression on someone.
January 15, 2010 at 7:57 pm
20, which is higher than it would have been five or ten years ago. I try to cultivate impulses, because the longer I think about buying something the less likely I am to buy it. And I always feel vaguely ashamed afterwards for having wanted “stuff”.
“Planned spending” has been a big help.
January 15, 2010 at 8:28 pm
I found it hilarious, considering today’s blog, that the main advertisement being shown during a couple episodes of TDDUP this afternoon on the Slice network was a commercial by Money Mart (one of Gail’s favourite places, not) pitching their new ‘cash for your gold’ business, and the actresses talking about how they could go and buy shoes with their newly acquired funds.
January 16, 2010 at 1:21 am
26 – my impulse is more at the grocery store, but it rarely goes to waste (or is tha waist?) and we almost exclusively eat at home. I am blessed with culinarily adventurous children and husband.
I do “stock up” on gifts for classmate birthday parties and am on the lookout year round for appropriate Christmas presents. As long as I keep my list of who I have bought for updated (so I don’t double up) it helps significantly over the year.
Like so many commenting above I really don’t enjoy malls (in fact it really makes me feel ill if I have to stay there too long) and try to tackle as many things on my list as possible in the shortest amount of time and stops.
My sister and mom seem to get more of a high from the whole experience and see it as recreation. I just don’t get it, even though I have been witnessing it first hand my whole life.
January 16, 2010 at 3:40 pm
I got a 51… I need help!
January 16, 2010 at 6:20 pm
OhmiGod Gail, you’re killing me. Today I went to Shoppers to get two items – toilet paper (on sale) and mouth wash (also on sale). I marched past the magazines, lotions and cosmetics and left with my two items. Do you know how hard that was? Yeah me!
Also, I recently read a very thought provoking book entitled No Impact Man (from the library). While many of the measures the author took seem extreme it certainly highlighted how many of the things we purchase we can actually do without and how this is not only good for the budget but also beneficial to our health and to the environment.
January 16, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Colleen, when I watched some on-line episodes of Gail today the pop-up ad was for designer purses @ %80 off (knock-offs, I am sure, because of the very low price). I thought it very ironic.
I scored 23. I do sometimes get an urge to shop when I’ve been so carefully following my envelope $$ and stowing money away as sense of deprivation creeps in.
And I did buy a new leather chair/ ottoman on RH’s sale. but I have been saving for it and will pay it off as soon as the bill comes in…but I know I will feel slightly guilty as it is a “want” not a “need”. ( and I noticed many of us offer justification for our purchases, ha ha).
Sometimes I think I have more stress since I’ve become a Gail-ite…always checking my balances, waiting anxiously until I can look up my paycheque on-line to plan for my next 2 weeks of envelopes and savings….weird. I never worried before, but then I never had any $$ in the bank before…
January 16, 2010 at 11:16 pm
I scored 18… I am not very surprised. I have been reformed by gail 3 years ago. Although I still give in to impulsive purchases sometimes, it is not as bad as before. I feel more in control… and I can now go out of the store without purchasing anything I didn’t need/badly want/plan to buy. I was a shopaholic.. not anymore!
January 16, 2010 at 11:54 pm
My score is 34. I’m getting much better though and I’m happy to be below the score line (if only barely). My main weakness is shopping malls. When I’m in one my mind goes crazy thinking of a hundred things I’ve wanted or could buy…or what I *think* I need. So I try to avoid them and I do pretty good at it, maybe only going a few times a year. My family influences my shopping though too. My mom loves to spend and buy nice things, and when I shop with her I catch the fever. So I’m working on that. 2010 is the year I plan to be more conscious and smart with my money and pay down debt drastically.
January 18, 2010 at 2:12 pm
I got 18! I sooo happy with myself even though I thought I was lower. Hubby got a 27 which we have been on a really good budget last year and used cash more often. So his spending habits have greatly improved. Im proud of him. His bro. got 39 which his a big spender but I’m slowly changing his way too. His happy that he wasn’t consider a shopaholic. But he did alot better for Christmas this year than past.
Than I bought the quiz too my sis in law which she scored a 43. She knows she has too change which she went overbudget for Christmas every yr. And now they are feeling cc bill. Her hubby is shopaholic too. It gave her a better ideawhere she is as shopaholicand shopping in all areas.
January 18, 2010 at 6:54 pm
New year, new budget. Hopefully one I can stick to and pay down my credit card this year. I am not a shop-a-holic but I do like a good sale. If I was a shop-a-holic it would be in the grocery store. I carry coupons and when an item is on sale I stock up. Good right? So yes, I have 15 boxes of catelli whole wheat pasta in my pantry and it won’t go bad… for most I paid under one dollar a box and last week I had four .75 off coupons and it was on sale for $1.00 per box… I paid only .25 each. I have a pretty full pantry and a pretty full freezer. I do use my debit card… I am trying to transition from debit card use to cash only but it is extremely difficult because of my shopping style. I don’t go out of my way to the grocery store that has the sale, I work near one, live near another and usually pass the 3rd on my way to one place or another…. is this really a bad habit. Does anyone have any suggestions.
January 18, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Debbie, you might want to do a pantry audit and keep a list of what you need. Also, food banks are really low on food right now and you could always make a generous drop-off, knowing you’ve given, say, $50 worth of food that only cost $15…
January 18, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Hi AnnieA, that’s exactly what I did before Christmas… they were so happy with what I brought in and you are right… it cost me half of what it normally would have cost. But my question is… does anyone else shop like this? I truly believe I am saving money but it is hard to do the cash only deal when my shopping style is to buy what is on sale and stock up. Suggestions anyone?
January 19, 2010 at 10:05 am
I am not a big fan of stock up when it’s on sale because for me, I end up with a lot of something that hangs around the pantry for a long time and takes up space.
But, I do buy things we use often, for school lunches etc when they are on sale.
A slush fund is invaluable for this. I auto-debit and extra amt each pay day into a seperate bank account, in the same way I do for all my planned spending. But this is for “unplanned” planned spending – when something is on special, or we have unexpected guests and I have to buy extra food etc. (or just this week when I unexpectedly had to buy a new pushbike).
I like to keep mine hovering around $500 and if it gets too far below this I won’t use it until it gets back up.
I think Gail talks about a slush fund in one of her blogs.
January 19, 2010 at 10:06 am
Oops, forgot to mention, the above was in reply to Debbie’s question about how to pay cash when one’s shopping style is to stock up when things are on special.
January 19, 2010 at 10:19 am
If your pantries are stocked with 15 boxes of pasta, or anything else like that I am thinking your bargains are not bargains unless you are going to use it within a month or so.
The stores have sales all the time, so buying such a large amount and going over one’s budget is simply false economy.
It doesn’t make it “right” just because someone is buying food vs shoes or DVDs.
January 19, 2010 at 10:26 am
I’m with you, Diana.
When I stock up, I don’t buy more than 4 of the product. And it is only if it is for something I KNOW will get used in my menu plans or in school lunches.
Another thing about it being false economy: I have found if I stock up on crisps or soft drink (soda, pop) when it is on special, for Christmas or a birthday, it gets eaten or drunk before then, so I have to go out and buy it again. So, in reality, my “bargain” has cost me more than it would have if I had paid full price closer to the date.
January 19, 2010 at 11:07 am
53
But I already knew i had a problem, that why i am here.
January 19, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Just a thought about debit vs. cash. We have an account that has $625 direct deposited into it every two weeks. I use this account for groceries and personal items and gas. Being able to use my debit card allows me to track purchases and avoid carrying cash (or not having cash on hand when I am near the store). However, there is no over-draft on this account so when the money is gone – that’s it. So I know my budget for each week and if I am under I allow that money to turn over to the next week when perhaps I need more items like detergent etc. It seems to balance out over the year.
April 28, 2010 at 6:26 pm
I scored a 42. I can say that I never buy things on credit and I rarely buy something that I haven’t thought about for a while, but I love to spend money and get new things! I am a papercrafter and I am always looking for a new toy that will make my life a little easier when it come to making something. I know that I spend more than I should and I do hide how much I spend from my husband. At the same time, I try to justify what I spend as he will go out on boys nights and spend money on food and drinks, but I would rather spend money on something that I can enjoy for more than one evening – and I don’t wake up with a headache! (not that his drinking is a problem, he goes out maybe once or twice a month.)
June 11, 2010 at 5:11 pm
[...] After a week of posts all related to shopping and spending I click on to GailVO’s blog today to find this. [...]
June 11, 2010 at 5:11 pm
[...] After a week of posts all related to shopping and spending I click on to GailVO’s blog today to find this. [...]