Comments on: Emotional Spending-Are you Guilty? I am!

By: robnyc

robnyc — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:50:41 +0000

Almost forgot - my other strategy is to not carry a credit card, ever, unless I am making a very intentional, well-thought-out purchase.

By: robnyc

robnyc — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:48:50 +0000

My unsafety zones are filene’s basement, sephora, amazon.com, and any bookstore. But my real splurge issues are more likely to happen at a new tapas bar where I absolutely must taste 10 different things.

Sometimes I go into a store and instantly see clothes, books or CDs that I MUST.HAVE.NOW. Often, if I take a little more time, just wandering around and looking at other things, the impulse will pass, I’ll put away the things and leave without regrets.

I have a friend who shops very deliberately. Before she buys something she will go to the store a few times, look at the item, handle it, and walk away. And then, if she still wants it after a few visits, she buys. I notice this when we’re standing at the counter and I’m carrying 5 things I just happened to see, and she’s holding one thing that she’s been thinking about buying for a week or more, and although it’s too late at that point it does make me think.

By: Meg (from The World of Wealth)

Meg (from The World of Wealth) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:12:34 +0000

I am totally “guilty” of emotional spending, but so is everyone - even men. We just spend on different things, perhaps. What spending isn’t emotional?

Some days I love indulging in a sushi dinner and a bottle of wine, even if it’s just me on my couch! And until this year (new resolution) I had no problem splurging on a dress or some shoes at Nordstrom if I had an event I “needed” it for (wedding, business mtg, etc). I rarely shopped, but when I did I’d spend $200 or more on a single item (quality over quantity, right?). I really only indulge on eating (and drinking) out these days; being social and making new friends is a priority for me since breaking up with my BF of 3 years earlier this year. Though I am very guiltily considering splurging on a one-time maid service…

And I can’t see the pics either…

By: QL Girl

QL Girl — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:52:45 +0000

SHOES!!
For me its not so much the wanting to buy something, but its the way it makes me feel. When I was broke and in school I’d take the (free) bus to the nearest shopping center where they had a DSW. Now, to some that would have been dangerous, but luckily I have a pretty good head on my shoulders that reminded me I had no income, lol (only student loans!) Anyway, I digress….I’d spend a few hours each weekend trying on shoes, walking around the store in them and feeling FABULOUS! Most of the time that was enough for me, but then every once in a while I’d walk out with amazing clearance deals. I don’t buy based on brands, I buy what looks good and won’t leave me broke!
I think as long as you can afford something and you’re willing to make the sacrifice of spending….why NOT buy something that’ll make you feel great? (I think thats also why I don’t shop online a lot…I dont’ get that “feel factor”!) I do agree though, you need to be conscious of what you’re spending and how it will affect the rest of your finances (especially important if you have family or a spouse).

By the way, I can’t see your evidence pictures…is it my browser? (IE)

By: BK

BK — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 21:08:56 +0000

My name is BK and I’m a recovering emotional shopping addict.. I’ve conquered this demon and no longer buy on a whim.. I have mastered the art of walking away and coming back to it when I have CASH in hand.. I’m still eyeing that purse though… *sigh* but I can look as long as I don’t touch

By: CreoleInDC

CreoleInDC — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:49:14 +0000

#1…HOW’D THE TAPING GO WOMAN?????????

#2…I always feel like there is nothing I can contribute over here. LOL!

By: Durty Mo

Durty Mo — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 20:24:07 +0000

I’ve never been a “shopaholic” but there are times when I feel the need to buy something, ANYTHING. It doesn’t happen often but when it does I’m like a bat out of hell. Lucky for me I’m frugal 95% of the time *sigh*

By: Ginger

Ginger — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:32:06 +0000

I’m glad you all FEEL ME! LOL! I was so in love with those damn pearls! Heck, Im wearing them today!

@Kini-I havent used my credit cards either since 2008 and Im being good. Actually considering *gasp* freezing them for 6 months

@ FB- You’re right, I should just NOT go, nowadays I dont even look at the Sunday paper inserts for the upcoming sales of the week.

@ hey Emily! A girl needs to stop shopping! I swear this is my weakness! Yes, Ebay and Amazon.com…*sigh* ohhh the conveniences of Paypal and Amazon having my info stored lol The iphone doesnt help in that if Im in transit I can order something in traffic *shhhh*

By: KiniKakes

KiniKakes — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:00:56 +0000

*sigh* Okay, my “emotional purchases” include: comforter/duvet sets, shirts from Bebe (usually done in the company of my girlfriend, who is NOT a good influence, lol) diamond charms for my charm bracelet, pink appliances for my kitchen (like i need any more of those!!!), and hair products (slowed down on this, fortunately). Most of my impulse buys occur at night, when im bored and at home alone…. Amazon is NOT your friend! LOL!!!!

As Ive said in previous posts, Ive been “clean” of my credit card since 1/1/08!!! So…. although im guilty of some recent emotional spending, at least i can say it was done using cash. But still, it’s not “okay” and i gotta keep that in mind!

This post was so on the money, girl! (Pun intended. LOL!!!)

By: Fabulously Broke

Fabulously Broke — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:47:02 +0000

I used to be a shopaholic. Now with a long-distance BF and an insane commute to work and back, I don’t have time to shop.

So the black cloud of commuting and travelling every weekend, has a silver lining: it prevents me from shopping and makes it a hassle… I (now) just like to get in there, make a decision in half an hour, or take down some notes and go home to do research, and get out.

Best advice from a recovering shopaholic? Track your expenses and just DON’T GO.