Addicted to spending money
In previous Prudent articles we have discussed managing your money and creating a budget, but are you still having problems with your finances? Is your spending out of control or do you have a loved one who is a spendaholic?
When we think of the word addiction, our minds immediately race to drugs or alcohol. There are many forms of addiction and many levels also. Many people use an addiction to alter their emotions at the time. Some people will seek comfort food, some lean towards retail therapy, some like the thrill of the casino. In either instance, we seek a change in our mood.
If you’re convincing yourself that you only go on small shopping excursions, then remember that those excursions are the ones that are doing the most damage to your budget. If you’re justifying the buy as I gotta have it, or it was on sale, then your actions are out of control.
There are two ways to work out this problem. Psychological and physical.
Be honest with yourself. What are your motivations to spending money?
- Is it to impress others?
- To improve your self esteem?
- You don’t want to miss out?
- Do you make money?
- Is it a habit?
Create a list of reasons for yourself and find the eye opener for you and determine if the feel good of your spending is worth the financial ruin it can and will become.
Next you will want to empower your spending habits. Affirmations are a good way to start. Constantly remind yourself that you have plenty of everything you need.
- Nurture yourself so you’re not so needy on material things.
- Keep a spending diary and record everything you spend money on.
- Give yourself an allowance. This way you know what you’re able to spend on a regular basis.
- Have your paycheck directly deposited into your account. Set up with your bank a certain amount of money to be transferred into a savings account that you have no immediate access to via bank card so it’s not so easy to attain.
There are many people addicted to spending money but you don’t have to be one of them. Stay committed and you’ll find the financial freedom you deserve.
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