We all love shopping, going around the malls and street markets to check out the newest collections, looking for sales or buying some new gadgets. However, some people take this thing way too seriously and consider shopping as a part of their daily routine. These people will max out their credit cards to make sure that they have all the things in their bags that they want.
In short and simple words, they have crossed the line. For them, shopping is not just a casual necessity but an addiction that keeps getting worse.
Yes, you heard it right! Such people have become addicted to shopping, and they might not even realise it if not told by others. This rare addiction is not only expensive but time-consuming as well. You can end up clearing all the money in your bank account and consume a lot of your time, which you can use for something productive. Other than that, you can also end up trapping yourself in debt.
Now, you must be thinking, “How would I know that I am also addicted to shopping?” Well, the answer is quite simple. Suppose you start showing compulsive behaviour for shopping and without which your day won’t just start.
Your shopping habits are having a negative impact on your relationship. Lastly, if you are spending way more than you can afford, these are some of the signs that you are having a shopping addiction problem.
However, like any other addiction issue, this, too, can be ended if one decides. Here, we have mentioned some effective tried and tested tricks that can help you get rid of your shopping addiction. Let us explore those one by one.
Effective tricks to conquer your shopping addiction problem
- Stop buying stuff on credit that cannot be bought with cash
When compulsive spenders decide to buy something, they will most probably buy that stuff even if they have to max out their credit card limit. Well, this can be troublesome as, in the end, you are making purchases for things that you really cannot afford and will have to pay for it later. This is why it is recommended to avoid it as much as possible, as it can affect your credit profile.
Using too much of your credit can drag you to the debt zone and you have to go for urgent loans for bad credit from a direct lender to get out of this situation. Well, you do not want to go to the banks because they may be too tricky to avail of quick fund disbursal. Direct lenders have such features as they primarily deal in online loans only.
- Don’t make malls your hangout spot
One everyday activity that most shopping addicts do is they mostly pass their free time in malls and stores. In the end, just an errand at the mall turns into mindless shopping where the person buys stuff that they didn’t even need. Thus, the best advice here to such people is to avoid going to malls now and again just to pass the time.
Just visit the place when you really need something; even then, get into the store, purchase what you need and just get out. Don’t explore every corner of the stores to see what they have got because considering your notorious shopping behaviour. You will surely be bringing multiple bags along with you.
- Make cash your one and only friend
With the option of online transactions via credit cards, debit cards and others, it is easy to get carried away, and you may end up making big purchases. For this, you need to have cash and forget all your cards at home when going to the mall. This may sound inconvenient, but it’s the best way if you are a compulsive spender and really want to overcome this issue as soon as possible.
Therefore, you will have to make some sacrifices and spend in cash and dispose of all the options of other payment modes that can be highly beneficial. By dealing with money, you will get the notion that you are spending far more than swiping those electromagnetic cards.
- Keep an eye on all your spending
The next important step that you need to follow is to keep an eye on all your spending. This is the biggest mistake and the root cause of why people become shopaholics. In addition, this is quite reasonable. Suppose you have no idea about your spending.
There will be barely any signs of worry on your forehead and any doubt regarding how much you are spending on a particular item. This is an effective way to control your compulsive spending habits.
Not only will it help you control your shopping addiction, but it will also help you to have a clear idea of how your money is going out.
5. Try to control your urge of shopping
The thing that distinguishes between a normal shopper and an addictive one is the ability to control their urge. If you are a great addict of clothes purchasing, then try to avoid the clothing and apparel showrooms as much as possible or if you really want to save your money.
In simple words, avoid going places, which force you to spend money without any reason. Instead of going to such places, try to indulge yourself in other activities that won’t cost you anything.
6. Take help from others
Lastly, you can also ask for help from your friends, families and close ones to support you to get rid of your compulsive spending behaviour. If you think that this addiction of yours started causing you real troubles, then you can even go for professionals’ help.
Other than that, if you have bought expensive stuff for which you are still paying instalments, then you should take unsecured loans from a direct lender and complete the payment of the item that you have purchased.
Wrapping up, these are some of the practical tips and tricks that can help you get rid of your shopping addiction quickly and without much effort.
Anna Johnson has more than 11 years of experience in direct lending industry of the UK. She is the Senior Content Editor at 24cashflow where she is leading a large team of loan experts. During her career, she has helped the loan aspirants to use the particular loans in the best way and improve their financial lives and status.
Anna Johnson is known for her in-depth research of the UK loan marketplace, as she has worked with many major lending firms in her career. During her educational phase, she has done a research on ‘Finance Fundamentals for Growing Business’.
