by Mario Carini

Created on: September 29, 2010

Some 28 million Americans are addicted to shopping. They buy what they can't afford to fill emotional needs. And when the bills arrive, they are often filled with remorse when they realize they can't pay the bills. Unfortunately, this feeling of depression leads them down the spiral to buying even more just to feel better.

It's a problem much like overeating, alcoholism and smoking. The habit is hard to break, but unlike alcohol, the shopper simply can't go cold turkey and stop buying the necessities along with the impulse purchases.

Whether the problem is large or small, it's a problem that needs to be addressed before it becomes a social and financial problem too big to handle.

Today's society encourages spending. Media advertising convinces people that they must have some item in order to feel complete. It hypnotizes the viewer into feeling bereft of happiness and wealth unless he drives the latest model car. Media advertising is very effective at getting the masses to buy more than they need. In the past shopping meant getting only what you needed for home and living. Today, shopping is projected as more of a recreational event. You go shopping to see what you can buy.

While many shopaholics are convinced they don't have a problem, the first step to any rehabilitation is to recognize the problem before any steps can be taken to curb the habit before it gets out of control. Once overspending is seen for what it is, then the problem can be eliminated.

If you are a compulsive shopper, your first step should be to monitor all your purchases. Write down every expense into a notebook. At the end of the month, you can review what you wrote down. You'll discover that you've spent too much on things that weren't necessary. This may give you the discipline you need to curb your future spending.

One excellent technique is to take along your notebook every time you go out shopping and write down all those appealing items you think you'd like to buy. You don't buy them, but after a few weeks you can scan those items you wrote down. Likely you'll find that you didn't really need them as when they were on exhibit in the store.

Question every purchase you make. Ask yourself if you can afford the purchase and whether that purchase is going to impact your lifestyle for the better. Question your buying motives. If you're just buying to satisfy an emotional need, you have a poor excuse. If you don't know what you'll be using the item for, pass on it. Define your needs and wants and write them down in a shopping list. Over-spenders rarely have a shopping list when they buy and buy more than just the necessities.

Shopaholics love using credit cards. Unfortunately, that gets them into serious trouble when the bills come due. If you have a problem with spending, leave the credit cards at home and use debit or pay in cash.

The emotional feeling that many shoppers have when they make a purchase is temporary. Once the bills arrive, they feel regret and remorse when they can't pay the bills. You should ask yourself if the depression you'll feel when the bills arrive outweighs the elation you feel on buying the product.

Shopping isn't bad, but it's your emotions that cloud your reasoning. Sometimes it's best to get quality that lasts, even if the price is higher than cheaper items. Buying wholesale, or bulk doesn't make you a spendthrift. Some bargains are worth buying, but you need to know what makes a good purchase and which ones are a waste of money.

Naturally, if you have a serious problem, you should get professional help from a support group or a therapist. The money you spend to get help will pay off in the savings you'll earn from not buying on impulse.

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