5 Step Plan for Shopaholics

Are you a Shopaholic?  If you were, would you admit it?  To get your spending under control, here are 5 simple steps you can take RIGHT NOW!

1.  Cut up all credit cards.  Only pay for items in cash.  This works really well because then you can't shop online, either!  Give yourself a cash budget per week, and once you run out, you're out - no going to the ATM!
2.  Clean out your closets and cupboards.  Anything you haven't worn, or used, in a year, goes in a separate closet.  You can "shop" from that closet!  For every item you take out of the closet, donate a dollar to charity.  For every item you donate to charity, give yourself a dollar to spend.
3.  Hold yourself accountable.  Write down every item you purchase, time, date, place and cost.  Find out just where your money is going and why. Keep a journal and write down how this item made you feel as you were buying it, and how you feel about it now, what you will do with it, etc.
4.  Find activities to keep you occupied during times you would normally shop.  Volunteer.  Visit with friends.  Clean.  Read.  Write.  Exercise.  Start an art project.  Take a class.
5.  No more secrets, no more lies, no more hiding.  Get a friend or relative to help you.  Whenever you buy something, tell that one person.  Be totally honest about the item and the price and it's purpose.