Hi my name is Erin and I am a shopaholic.
I wasn’t always like this. I could probably count on two hands the number of times I actually went shopping while in college. Once I was out of college and I had the cash flow, I went nuts.
I bought stuff I didn’t remotely need and, sometimes, even want. Something about the high of the purchase gave me such satisfaction. Maybe it was the fact that after many years of being a poor college student, I could finally buy whatever I wanted. Who knows what it was.
There was about a two year period in my life where I didn’t even look at price tags. This is embarrassing to even admit because, well, it is a really stupid way to live, regardless of whether you have money or not.
I was THE girl you wanted at your sales parties because I was definitely going to buy something, and it would most likely be expensive.
I was still continuing this crazy habit when I moved to the island. Granted, we do not have as many stores here, but guess what? Turns out, I get just as much satisfaction out of clicking “confirm order” online, as I do swiping a credit card at the store.
I think when I moved, I bought something like ten bathing suits within my first month. I justified every single purchase. After all, when you live on an island, a bathing suit is everyday wear, right?
Stopping the Shopping
I wouldn’t say I don’t shop anymore, but I definitely think twice when making a purchase. It helps to try to put things into perspective.
- How many gallons of gas will it cost?
- How many hours at work will it take to pay off?
- Do I want it?
- Do I need it?
- Will this help/hurt/effect my financial situation?
- Wouldn’t putting that money towards my loans be more satisfying in the long run?
Sounds like common sense right? It is, but it helps. I usually think about what I want and don’t buy it immediately. If I am still thinking about in a few weeks, then usually I get it. Many a times, I have completely forgotten about the item.
You know what else? I get even MORE satisfaction every time I see another loan paid off, and that is worth way more than a new bathing suit.
The struggle is real.
Online shopping addiction is so real!! 🙁 LOL