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The world of retail therapy is a vast one, as there are many avenues to bankruptcy and short-lived exuberance at finding the right deal at the right time. Yet, where's the path to sanity and financial security?

This road is similar to the yellow brick road in "The Wizard of Oz"; it is fraught with temptation and danger. Finding your way through the glitz and glam of "Emerald City" to meet the Wizard (freedom) may be a lifelong journey unless you have help on the way.

I have had enough misfortunes to know that retail shopping rarely satisfies the need to keep with the fashionable jet setters. Yet, I'm constantly whipping out my debit card to appease the raging fashionista in my psyche. I've made countless excuses as to why I needed a particular top, pair of jeans, party dress and ultra cute pair of shoes. More likely than not, they ended up nicely folded and stacked on my garage sale table.

The danger of retail therapy is a serious problem even though some will see it as frivolous. However, according to Cotton Incorporated's Lifestyle Monitor TM, 65 percent of women experience more pleasure from wearing something new then something that they've had for a while.

As Celeste Turner owner Carrie Richardson has said, "It's part of our nature that, as women, we feel good when we buy something. For women, it doesn't take a car it can be a sexy shirt, a necklace or a great handbag. If you're not feeling your best, or having an "ugly" day, a new pair of pants can be a great lift."

Yes, but that "great lift" will soon transform into an overwhelming credit card bill that could leave you in tears. Even if you pay by debit card, there's always the risk that you might go over your funds. This will result in overdraft fees.

If you stop to analyze this trend, it could be seen as a science. There has to be something in the clothing. The smell, the cut, the texture- I suspect pheromones in the apparel. No, it's just not for sex anymore.

In addition, it is no longer harmless. It's turning into something ugly, as research has provided enough proof that retail therapy is an addiction. More seriously, it is a psychological disorder. According to The Age, it is classified as oniomania or compulsive shopping syndrome.

I was proud to be a shopaholic, but now I find myself ashamed that I've spent so much money on items that were clearly not in line with my personality. In other words, I experience buyer's remorse on a regular basis.

Nevertheless, when it was hanging quite temptingly on a hanger

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