Just like a regular virus, the shopping bug can make you ill, or in this case your finances ill. The shopping bug can be caught, and you can suffer it long term. Here are some suggestions on how to avoid catching this bug in the first place.
Inoculate Yourself
Having a new attitude toward stuff can really help inoculate yourself against the shopping bug. Shopping is often seen as a firm of entertainment, but at the end of the day, purchases are all just stuff. And we often have too much stuff. Why not concentrate on a few things that are necessary and that bring you joy. Give yourself a shot in the arm and avoid obtaining 40 pairs of shoes or 100 DVDs.
Stay Away from Hot Spots
With Swine Flu, experts are predicting a surge in the virus once school starts because schools are probably hot spots where the virus can spread. Just the same, there are hot spots for the shopping bug. I bet you can figure these out: mart stores, the mall, online stores, etc. Catalogues and store flyers can also be hot spots for shopping.
Avoid Contagion
Misery may love company but so do shoppers. It can be fun to shop with a friend, and studies have shown that people shopping in pairs or groups tend to buy more stuff. If I overspend, then it sort of gives you permission to overspend, and both of our wallets suffer. Avoid the shopping contagion and spend social time doing other things.
Take Your Medicine
If you do slip up and go on a shopping spree, don’t use it as an excuse to blow your whole budget. Instead, take a deep breath, take a hard look at your bill and the sacrifices you will need to make in order to afford your recent purchases. How many hours will you have to work to pay for them? Face the reality and the consequences and then move on.
You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here!
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