Are You A Compulsive Shopper?

Are you a compulsive shopaholic? Do you get a thrill when you just hear the word sale? Does buying new things make you feel good? Do you shop when you feel sad, disappointed and depressed? Do you buy items because they are on sale, even if you don’t need them and will never use them?

Then chances are that you are a shopaholic. You have an addiction that is as serious as an alcoholic. And just like an alcoholic’s addiction can lead him down the path to ruin and destruction, so can yours.

So what can you do to curb your impulsive spending and save yourself from financial ruin?

The first (and most important) thing to do is to change your mindset. – We’re all conditioned by the media to be a buyers. Most of us get a buzz just from buying something new, whether we need it or not. In fact, many people even feel grateful to the seller just for letting them buy their product!

Jerry McColl in his excellent e-book Cash Stretching 101 says that you need to realize that

“ YOU:
• Are a person who deserves the best value in return for the money you give to other people.
• Have options – there are almost always alternative products of equal or even better value.
• Don’t have to buy that particular item.
• Don’t have to buy from that supplier.
• Don’t have to buy now.
• Don’t have to buy anything.

………………. it’s your money and your choice.”

He also goes on to say that you don't have to rush in to any buy something just because your friends or colleagues have that item. It’s important to first decide whether you can afford the item, whether you really need it (or just want it) and if it is good value for you.

Jerry is the author of Cash Stretching 101 . “This book is designed to help you live leaner, lighter and better.
Cash Stretching 101 is filled with dozens of practical, painless, and quick tactics to get you better value when you have to spend money, and to help you save more money without affecting your lifestyle.

If you’d like to find out how to live a rich, comfortable and happy life regardless of the size of your paycheck please visit http://www.moneystretchingtips.com
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