Indeed, there is an acknowledged clinical condition known as shopping addiction, but the majority of us who casually label ourselves as “shopaholics” are simply prone to excessive shopping. Speaking from personal experience, I used to have a shopping problem too.
Before kickstarting my personal finance blog in January 2014, shopping was one of my favorite pastimes. Whether it was tagging along with friends on weekend shopping sprees or making solo trips during weekdays after work, shopping was a regular activity, regardless of not needing anything specific. Essentially, my shopping was not driven by necessity but by habitual tendencies.
Luckily, I managed to overcome my compulsive shopping, improving my financial situation significantly. If you’re still caught in the vicious cycle of habitual shopping, here are six straightforward strategies to help you effectively control your shopping impulses once and for all.
1. UNDERSTAND YOUR SHOPPING REASONS
The initial step in controlling your shopping impulses is identifying the reasons behind your shopping habit. This may range from shopping for others or even your pet cat, and purchasing that in-demand cat fountain. Keep a written account of your emotional state before and after shopping, and your feelings when you abstain from shopping. This may assist you in determining your shopping triggers.
Many individuals develop a shopping habit due to feelings of loneliness, boredom, guilt, anger, among other emotions. In my experience, my shopping habit was fuelled by multiple emotions related to going through a divorce. Shopping served as a distraction, fulfilling a psychological need more than a physical need. And for many, this is how a habit forms, using shopping as a coping mechanism during difficult times.
2. SEEK A BENEFICIAL SUBSTITUTE
Simply understanding your shopping incentive isn’t always enough to break the pattern. To overcome the shopping habit, you need to find a healthier alternative to fulfill your psychological needs that previously led to shopping.
Let’s say you shop to escape feelings of anxiety, fear, or loneliness, you need to discover other social engagements to address these needs. This can be phoning a friend or participating in a community event to alleviate such feelings.
However, be cautious not to switch your shopping habit with another harmful one. Aim to replace it with something positive, nurturing, and uplifting. Brainstorm a list of beneficial activities that you can resort to when you’re tempted to shop for reasons beyond needing to buy something.
3. DODGE THE LURE
In the past, I used to idle away my weekends with friends in the shopping mall, and sometimes, I would stop by the mall on my way home from work.
Once I understood the need to quit my shopping habit, I altered my routine to evade temptation. I took a different route home from work, avoiding passing by the mall.
To deflect the temptation of shopping, propose other activities to your friends during weekends instead of just mall outings.
4. ABIDE BY A LIST
When you do have to go shopping – because naturally, we all need groceries and household items – carry a written list with you. This method helps keep your shopping focused and free of unnecessary purchases.
Should you have the urge to purchase an item not on your list, add it to the bottom for your next shopping trip. Using this approach, I’ve often realized that many of the items I thought I needed were only desires, resembling things I already owned. Very rarely did I end up buying the listed items in question.
5. DEPEND ON CASH, LEAVE OUT PLASTIC
A strategy I employed to rein in my shopping habit was relying on cash for my discretionary expenditure. Leaving my credit and debit cards at home mandated budget adherence.
Having a limited cash amount organically imposes a spending limit, hence preventing extreme unnecessary spending during weak moments.
6. IMITATE MALE SHOPPING HABITS
Ordinarily, men have fewer shopping-related issues compared to women majorly because they shop with a defined purpose.
Men proceed directly to the store for the exact item they want. They don’t loiter around stores aimlessly, but head straight to the checkout counter once they’ve picked their item. Rather than leisure or social engagements, shopping for most men is purpose-driven.
Though it might seem banal, try emulating men’s shopping approaches next time you need to buy something. It’ll save you considerable time and money.
Overcoming a shopping habit may seem tasking, but with these guidelines, you can morph into a frugal spender in no time. Believe me!
Have you ever struggled with a shopping habit? If so, how did you overcome it?
