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Overspending is often one of these things. In its most extreme form, overspending can turn into a shopping addiction. Luckily, just like all addictions, you can overcome it and avoid relapsing if you know the correct steps to take. To help with this, here are three tips that will assist you in overcoming a shopping addiction.
Define What Triggers Your Spending
Oftentimes, an addiction forms when something is used as an outlet for trauma. Especially with a shopping addiction, the need to shop generally hits at a certain time or after certain events have taken place. To begin overcoming this addiction, Clark Palmer, a contributor to BankRate.com, shares that you have to identify what it is that triggers your impulse to spend money. Without knowing these triggers, it can be hard to stop them from happening. As a starting point, try thinking about your emotional state prior to your triggers to shop. Attempt to identify why you’re feeling that way and if there’s another outlet for those emotions rather than spending.
Set Limitations and Stick to Them
If you’re able to admit you have a problem with overspending or shopping too much, it’s time to begin putting limitations on your actions to help you control your urges to spend. Robert Pagliarini, a contributor to CBSNews.com, suggests creating a list of areas that you will avoid in order to remain in control of your money. These areas could include shopping malls, stores, and other locations where you frequently spend your money on items you don’t actually need. Once you’ve identified these areas, make sure you remain true to your plan to avoid them. If you do need to shop, bring someone along with you who can help you keep your spending in check.
Speak To A Professional
Overcoming addictions can be too much for you to handle all on your own. If you feel this way, Kimberly Palmer, a contributor to U.S. News and World Report, recommends speaking to a professional who can give you therapeutic ways to get past your addiction. Seeing a therapist can help you better understand your impulses and give you someone to be accountable to. Not only this, but a therapist can also get you in touch with people who can teach you how to have a healthier relationship with money and learn how to work with your income rather than against it.
Although you may feel helpless or hopeless now, you can overcome your shopping addiction. Use the tips mentioned above to help you free yourself from this burden today.