Addicted to Shopping

Grace- I am thinking of exploring this issue further and am looking for people willing to talk about their struggles against spending... if you wouldn't mind chatting with me, please email me at alphaconsumer@usnews.com. thanks so much.

Kimberly Palmer of @ Jul 29, 2008 12:48:29 PM

When I was going through a particularly difficult and unhealthy dating relationship, I was into splurging on clothes shopping. A new outfit always makes me feel a little better about myself, but in this case, I was trying to prove to myself and to [him] that I was desirable and beautiful.

I am now emotionally stable and in a very healthy marriage. Looking back on that time, I can see that my splurges were not only poor decisions, but lies that I was believing about myself as I tried to make up for the pain I was going through. There was a deeper issue than simply being wasteful with my money.

Now when I'm tempted to splurge, I consider the source of the desire...am I trying to prove something? cover pain? believing lies about myself?

It also helps to be completely honest and open with my husband about when I feel like splurging. It is OUR money, so I always ask him when I want something that goes beyond our basic needs.

Grace of VA @ Jul 29, 2008 12:45:40 PM

Joey- do you work for Discover?

Kimberly Palmer of @ Jul 29, 2008 11:25:59 AM

I think it's a great ad. I think what Discover is trying to show is that it's okay to spend how you want, whether it be a lot or a little, and Discover is there to help you manage your spending on your terms. It shows me that Discover cares about me as a consumer and dosen't just want my money.

Joey S. of IN @ Jul 29, 2008 10:45:42 AM

That is a good point- if you keep your wants low-key than it's easier to be satisfied. Not much can make me happier than sushi and lattes, which, if done only a few times a month, is worth the cost, I think.

Kimberly Palmer of @ Jul 28, 2008 16:08:34 PM

I've seen that comemrcial. And obviously the goal of a credit card commercial is to convince you that there's nothing wrong with spending lots of money using a credit card, preferably theirs. They just aren't usually quite that direct about it.

I'm pro-wisely-considered-splurge: Spend money on the things that really make you happy. I've thanked my lucky stars more than once that I'm the type of person who is made happy by a box of granola and a smoothie.

Johanna of MD @ Jul 28, 2008 15:42:36 PM