A lot of people enjoy shopping, but for some people the enjoyment of shopping goes beyond mere bargain hunting and can be part of an addiction. There are many names for this addiction.
Excessive spending is known as compulsive spending, spending addiction or being a shopaholic. What it boils down to is recognising whether your spending habits are out of control. If you get urges to spend that you are unable to control then you may be a shopaholic or spending addict.
Take this simple quiz to find out if you are a Shopaholic!
Instructions:
Read the following list and count the number of statements that apply:
- Being unable to pass up a "bargain"
- Making impulsive purchases on a regular basis
- Leaving price tags on clothes so they can be returned
- Not using items you've purchased
- Lying about the cost of purchases
- Using shopping as a "pick me up"
- Buying luxuries before necessities
- Trying unsuccessfully to curb shopping impulses
- Spending more time or money shopping than you intend
- Devoting a large amount of time shopping and planning future shopping expeditions
- Spending to an extent that interferes with your life (excessive debt) or relationships
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms from shopping
- Giving up other social or recreational activities to shop
Results:
So how did you go? If you agreed with 5 or more statements, it's highly likely you are a compulsive shopper or shopaholic. If you agreed with 3 or 4 statements, then you are potentially at risk. Now is a good time to monitor your spending!
If you believe that shopping is in anyway causing self-harm or statement 11 is true (shopping interferes with your life), seek help.
Suggestions:
Keep a diary of your spending and your mood at the time - If you are in the United States, attend your local Debtors Anonymous meetings
- If you are in New Zealand contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for budget advice
- Read books, attend seminars or counselling on money management
5 comments:
I'm actually the opposite of this -- I can't stand shopping. :)
My friends say I'm lucky, but agonizing over each and every shopping decision is actually a pain.
This is probably a lot more rare (and less financially destructive) than "shopaholism," but it can be pretty debilitating at times.
Definitely better for your wallet.
Although I'd say you were REALLY lucky if you didn't like sugary foods. They seem to be my downfall. Soooo much exercise to burn them off!
I agree that not being able to make decisions, in any context, would be frustrating and potentially debilitating.
You would need to look at the reason behind your indecisiveness i.e. what do you fear will happen if you make the wrong choice? Are you worried about financial security, do you fear losing everything, worry what other people may think (e.g. a partner/parent who monitors your shopping), are you always looking for the "perfect" item and afraid this will not be perfect? Is there another gap that needs to be filled?
It all comes down to the money, as far as I can tell, so maybe it's a financial security thing. I just can't stand handing money over to other people (i.e., I'll wear old clothes until they fall apart instead of spending money on new clothes). I'm not sure why.
I'm definitely unlucky when it comes to food, though ... if it were up to me, sugary foods would be the *only* thing I'd eat. :)
Oh goodness. I'm very happy I'm not a shopaholic. I guess I always saw that as a funny thing. Doesn't sound like it.
Do you like to shop? I mean... REALLY like to shop? Do you have trouble setting and keeping a budget? If you have to choose whether you should buy groceries or that new big screen TV, we want to hear from you! A production company is searching for outgoing individuals who not only love to but have to shop. We are looking for someone who insists on going to the mall on a daily basis. If your shopping habit is beginning to take over your life and no matter how much you buy you never have enough, you may be the person we are looking for. If your spending is excessive and are losing control of your finances and space in your closet, you may be who we want! Please submit a short summary (4-5 sentences) explaining why you would be perfect for the show, a headshot and a short video of yourself to give us an idea of what your personality is like and what you like to buy and why you can't stop shopping. All items can be submitted to realcasting101@gmail.com. (NOTE: if you do not submit a video you WILL NOT be considered).
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