Addicted to shopping

Anyone else in the same boat?


I'm a self-confessed shopaholic. I save nothing each month. In fact, since coming to HK, not only have I depleted my monthly salary, I have even used money which I've saved for years back home.


I feel REALLY bad. I tell myself that this month will be different but I say that EVERY month. I have this "urge" to walk past shopping centres on my way home from work and I WILL always bring home something - be it HK$50 or more.


I get paid at the beginning of the month and by the end of the month, I feel the pinch. When I know I don't have the $$ for it, I will use my credit cards.


So far, I've been able to pay all my debts (I'm never late) but drawing down on my savings is hardly the smartest thing to do.


I set aside a budget but my problem is sticking with it.


I shop for these reasons:-

1) I'm bored. The shopping centres are EVERYWHERE and it's too convenient for me

2) I seem to ALWAYS need something, be it shoes or bags etc etc. And it's always because I am not happy with the ones I've got (I never am)

3) I shop when I'm stressed at home or at work


I've been told I should leave my credit cards at home. Well, that's an idea but to be able to pay off my current credit card debt means I don't have much cash left to spend for anything even the essentials.


Anyone in the same boat and have tips to share?


Can't believe how stupid I've become since coming to HK.

The tips should be obvious, and I doubt if in your self-confessed condition you would be serious in taking any of them up. I think you need professional counselling, and fast. Good luck.

GemmaW, i was like you before but ever since i moved my flat to somewhere not accessible to shopping mall, i only go to the mall for shopping once a week. but now i am addict to Parknshop, lol. my advise is

1. move to somewhere without large shopping mall

2. find something to do after work like gym or meeting friends for drink or dinner...etc

3. buy book/magazine to read instead of shopping


thats my 2 cents. hope it helps.

Gemma,


I am the same...or should that be WAS the same as u.

I now tend to go out with just enough money to get food/drink and my Octo-card for travel.

I still get the urge to buy stuff i know i don't need, but cannot as i don't have coin in my pocket.


Leave the credit cards @ home too.

If all else fails...feel like a shopping buddy??? LOL.

Join a gym and yoga. The endorphins will make you feel great and that will become addictive, rather than being addicted to shopping.

I have the problem to some extent now... but was worse before. And so have so much of accumulated stuff -- clothes and household!!


Have so much crockery... used to be married and had parties at home when I used it, but am single now and don't any more call people at home. All my crockery is lying around unused! Realised how much I have when I recently moved to a new place... Wish I could sell it away.... Really, don't need it... and have equal amount of it back home which I did not get along here when I shifted as thought will be back home in a year or so... it's been 9 years now!


Don't know what to do with all the accumulated crockery. Any ideas??

Hi, I am in the same situation as you too. i think a shopping buddy will be better than you shop on your own. Should we do that together?

Haha.... now now, people, don't tempt me or I may just give in.


I've walked past a shopping centre today. I said I wouldn't because I could walk around it when coming home from work but I'v avoided them for a few days already. I nearly bought a jacket at G2000. Thankfully my husband called to say he had arrived at the shopping centre so I had to leave the shop. I left with no regrets. Now how long more am I able to resist such addiction? I think there needs to be another support group for shopaholics!!!


sani, I've tried leaving my credit cards at home. Doesn't work because I keep reasoning that I get all these bonus points if I use one. Extra points = extra benefits = extra cash. I'm a sad case, I'm afraid.


My addiction is not funny though. I've been good so far... now if I can make it another week of good behaviour, that would save me 2 weeks of splurging. So say if we have 5 weeks a month and if I can exercise self control for 2.5 weeks out of the 5 weeks, I should be able to save at least 50%, right? Providing I don't go on a shopping spree for the remaining 2.5 weeks.


Keeping busy with activities is good... yes, I have done that...but activities cost too, I'm afraid. I end up buying lots of stuff to carry out my activity because I think I need them. Eg. I started aerobics with my friends and ended up buying new outfits and shoes to wear because I felt I didn't have suitable ones.


I'm good with excuses. They are lame ones but somehow I make myself believe them. That's why I call it an "addiction".


I know what I NEED to do. Now it's just trying to program myself to do what I need to do.


Zonked, try "trading post" on asiaxpat for your unwanted stuff or giving them away to charity. I'm having a good clean out at home. My apartment is much nicer but I hope I won't be stupid enough to try to replace everything I've chucked out....


kowloonwoman is right. I think I need to move somewhere with no shops.

GemmaW,


Ask yourself everything you pick up something and are about to pay for it - whether it is necessary. You will be suprised how over a period of time you will be put off by shopping - because there really is very little of your shopping that is necessary. It has worked for me and I hope it works for you.

3 questions for self analysis while standing infront of something you are tempted to buy:


Why am I buying it?

Do I need it?

Can I do without it?

I watched this great show on Oprah about getting your spending and savings in check, called the Dept Diet. I have a shopping problem as well but I buy big items, kelly bags, hermes scarfs, diamonds, tiffany jewery, every month I buy some big item. It's crazy but I also save and I have no dept, I put my credit card on 100% pay off every month. Before I got married I rented a 3 bedroom apartment and I rented out 2 rooms for more than the cost of the apartment, so I could have some fun money for my spending habbit. I have also sold some old bags here on asia expat and I have taken on extra jobs. That way I don't feel guilty about buying things. If you can afford it and you give back to the world as well then I think it's o kay to buy yourself pretty things. Most importantly make sure you pay your bills, save at least 20% for the future. Sometimes we spend when we are just lonely or feeling a bit insecure and I think at one point everyone has been there. Best of luck and take care!

try to save your moneyy and put it in your ATM. i do that to avoid shopping