9 Tips to Get Rid of Compulsive Shopping Disorder

Do you shop too much? Do you have the urge to spend money at all times regardless of what the consequences may be?  Many people laugh at the diagnosis of "compulsive shopping disorder" but it is definitely not a laughing matter.  It can be a serious problem that affects the quality of life for women and men who have the disorder.  If you can't control the urges to shop and feel that you may have the disorder, the following information will be helpful for you.  Use these tips to help you get rid of compulsive shopping disorder.

1. Admit that you have a problem.  The first step in overcoming compulsive shopping disorder is to admit that you do have a problem. Many women who have a problem refuse to admit it.  If you realize that the problem exists, you can begin by seeking help and building a strong support system.
2. Allocate a certain amount of money to spend on "wants" each month and stick to budget.  Start with budgeting.  It's okay to buy things as long as you don't go overboard and feel the need to have more and more things.  Set aside a small portion of your monthly budget for shopping and spend the rest on necessities and bills. 
3. Cut up your credit cards. If you don't have the money or credit cards to buy things, you are less likely to do it.  Reduce the urge to buy by limiting how much you can actually spend. Cut up your credit cards in an effort to get rid of compulsive shopping disorder.  
4. Have someone to hold you accountable.  Overcoming compulsive shopping disorder can't be done alone. You will need a support system. Find people who will hold you accountable when you do spend.  Let your spouse be in charge of the monthly finances to help you keep up with how much you are spending. You are less likely to spend if you know that you will be held accountable for each and every purchase. 
5. Stay away from the mall or your other favorite stores.  If you are trying to overcome the problem, tempting yourself is not the answer.  If the mall makes you want to spend money, refuse to go there.  Avoid places that give you the urge to spend at all cost.  
6. Be confident in who you are, not what you have.  Many women develop the shopping disorder as a result of trying to discover their identity. The misconception is that the things you have somehow determine how successful you are in life.  Be confident in who you are as a person and not in the material things that you have. 
7. Take the focus off of yourself.  Those with compulsive shopping disorder admit that they are often obsessed with buying things for themselves.  Taking the focus off of yourself and putting it on your family can help you overcome the problem.  Make your family and children your top priority rather than buying materialistic things.  
8. Keep a journal of the money you do spend.  To maintain awareness about the money you are spending, keep a journal of all of your purchases.  If you know you are going to have to record the purchase, you will be less likely to make it. This can also give you a good determination on where you money is going throughout the month. Keep track of where you are spending your money. 
9. Stay focused and don't give up.  Overcoming compulsive shopping disorder can be more difficult that it may seem.  Stay motivated and don't give up. You may fail a time or two but get back up and start over again. You can and will overcome the problem.

Use the tips above to help you get rid of your compulsive shopping disorder. Admit that you do have a problem and begin seeking help from a support system to help you overcome.  Have someone hold you accountable when you do decide to make a purchase and you will be less likely to overspend.  Most importantly, realize that you can be helped.  You don't have to continue spending out of control.  Get started overcoming your problem today in an effort to secure your future. 

Marina has written this article for 1001Shops a retail specialty store where you can shop specialty products like decorative Venetian mirror, modern wall clock, etagere, lounge chairs and lot more.