Hello!

I tend to buy things and spend money when I am upset and with the ease of online shopping its only gotten worse. I spent $300 just last week from being upset and came this close to buying $200 shoes…
Who else does this? and does anyone have methods of stopping themselves overspending in this way?


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  • I remember reading something about this being a typical psychological response to being upset as you get an immediate positive response from the tangible item you’ve bought


  • I overeat when I’m anxious or upset. Just as bad as overspending and I don’t know how to break the cycle.


  • I have a small list of things that I need non-urgently – most low value – and I buy one of those if I think I’m about to emotionally shop.


  • Oh god no, I’m too much of a Scrooge. I find I binge eat when I’m upset, not a healthy choice either


  • Me!!!!!!!
    I’m on mat leave so we are watching the pennies so I’ve found Wish……. at least then it’s only a couple of bucks at a time.

    But I did have a bit of a crap day yesterday and went and did the grocery shopping…….. $200 later (typical spend is $100)…… whoops…& it wasn’t even Tim tams and fun stuff it was all fruit/veggies and a packet of bacon lol


  • I don’t spend money when upset but each to their own,if it makes you feel better then why not!


  • I once read that before buying something online you should put it in your cart and then leave it there for at least 24 hours. Most times when you go back to it you will decide that you really don’t need it.


  • I went through this. It was at a time that I really couldn’t afford to spend…it made me feel good for about 10 minutes…. then more misery! I saw a professional, and today I shop if I need something, but I still ask myself the question do I REALLY need this?? hoe it helps


  • When you think of buying something, try occupy your mind with something else or buy a few small really cheap things from China on eBay,


  • I was going to say I indulge in food and drink treats when I’m down but as they cost money I guess the answer is yes.


  • I do sometimes then feel a little guilty.


  • I just realised the other day that I do spend more money when I’m upset. I’ll go for a drive and end up shopping and buying a few things that make me happy, lol. Nothing extreme, just small things that I normally wouldn’t bother buying but for some reason do ’cause it makes me feel better. Retail therapy. :P


  • When i am feeling down i like to spil myself with new clothes..
    I think i deserve it lol


  • You are just rewarding yourself. If it makes you happy..then why not. Your plans are better than mine. When I get upset..I go for a hit on the pokies. I walk out with nothing! You walk with a pair of shoes :-)


  • I do find that if I am feeling down of a evening or night I’ll be sitting here looking over all the FB buy and sell sites etc wanting to buy stuff for my daughters. My Mum is the same. She suffers depression and always goes on shopping splurges.
    I don’t have any suggestions sorry but I also think the shares idea is a good one.


  • That answer regarding buying shares is awesome, Ive never even thought of that. I guess it goes hand in hand really, spending money or eating chocolate. I go on eating binges when Im a bit down, but I also love spending money too. Double edged sword! Maybe take up reading?


  • Also; maybe replace spending with a hobby or interest? :)


  • If you are a therapeutic spender consider opening an account with an online trading company like Bell Direct who offer minimum investments of $500. When you need to shop, pick your favourite share and BUY! If you can’t break the habit you might as well channel it towards your future


  • No; I don’t; however I would suggest seeking some support. Financial counsellors can assist with some good strategies. Good Luck!


  • I can be like that. So what I find works for me is take all the cards out of my wallet and lock in the car. Before that, stop at an atm and take out x amount that you can spend without affecting family budget. Only take you wallet with the cash with you to the shops. That way you limit your spending and still feel good from shopping. But I agree that some exercising will be better.


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