Overcoming Compulsive Shopping and Spending

Managing excessive debt can be a daunting task for anyone, especially if you are not addressing the root cause of the issue. Ask yourself – Why am I in debt? What am I spending my money on? Sometimes, consumers get into financial trouble when they are faced with unexpected expenses due to such issues as medical debt or unemployment. Other times, a behavioral issue is at the root of the issue. Could you be contributing to your financial debt without realizing the damage you are causing? Overspending due to a compulsive behavior is a major contributing factor to consumer debt in the U.S. Fortunately, reputable consumer credit counseling organizations such as ours specialize in helping consumers effectively manage their debt and learn budgeting techniques to help keep them on the right financial track.

Contributing Factors and Causes of Consumer Debt

Compulsive behaviors can be overcome with the right level of awareness and self-control. In order to help you identify some of the possible causes of a compulsive spending habit, take a look at a few of the warning signs:

• A feeling of euphoria or excitement before and during the process of shopping.
• A feeling of guilt soon after the purchase is made.
• A tendency to hide your purchases from loved ones and family.
• Keeping a collection of items that still have price tags on them.
• An inability to manage your debt and pay your creditors on time.

Do any of these apply to you? Unfortunately, many individuals do not recognize the severity of their behaviors until it is too late. They have amassed so much debt on credit cards that they are no longer able to cope. Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) agencies like ours explore financial options with consumers through personalized credit counseling sessions. For those who need help getting out of debt, we can provide a personalized debt management program.

Other problems can arise as well that may affect family dynamics. Feelings of resentment or mistrust arise in addition to the debt management issues that are already a factor. Debt management programs through a Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) agency like ours can help alleviate the financial strife caused by compulsive spending, but the behavior itself needs to be modified so that the problems do not come up again.

How to Cope With a Compulsive Behavior

Coping with a compulsive spending habit takes a concerted effort and constant discipline, but it can be overcome. In his manual, Solution–Focused Financial Counseling, Dr. Fred E. Waddell offers useful tips that can help to curb your spending habits and make debt more manageable:

• Contact a professional behavior therapist who can help you determine the root cause of the issue and ensure that it is dealt with once and for all.
• Keep track of your spending by writing down what you buy everyday. You will be amazed that lots of small purchases can really add up!
• Share all of your purchases with your spouse and/or family members. Hiding them can only build feelings of resentment.
• Shop with a list and only take enough cash needed for the items on that list.
• If you start to second guess your purchase, return it immediately. It will probably end up sitting in the closet or garage piling up dust.
• Join a support group if you feel that you may need some emotional support from unbiased sources.
• Contact a professional Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) agency for help with setting a realistic budget and sticking to it. If it is appropriate for your situation, a debt management program can be created to help you get out of debt.

Seek Debt Management Help from Consumer Credit Counseling Services

Help is available from professional consumer credit counseling services such as our CCCS agency. Their debt management programs have helped many consumers pay back their debt to creditors and learn ways to manage debt by budgeting effectively. Certified credit counselors can also advise consumers set long-term financial goals, and will help them not to deviate from these goals. This personalized support may be an important step for a compulsive spender to help them break the habit once and for all.