Are you a shopaholic? Do you shop all the time, but deny the fact that you cannot stop spending?

The Signs That You Might Have a Problem:

1.       You use shopping to make you feel better.

2.       You spend money that you don’t have.

3.       You don’t really need that bag or pair of shoes, but still buy it.

4.       You buy items that you never really use.

5.       You’re reading this, and thinking “no, that’s not me.”

Okay, so I admit that I am not a shopaholic, however I have a problem when it comes to shoes. I just can’t help myself. I just want more shoes than I can wear. They’re just so cute!

But I have come to my senses; I have to somehow control this fetish of mines. So this is what I have come up with…maybe they will work for your spending fetishes as well, especially since the economy isn’t doing so well now.

1.       Set up a budget for certain items.

I set up a $25 shoe budget for myself. If I don’t buy any shoes for the month then that amount can roll over to the next month so that I can save up for a nice pair of expensive shoes. If by accident I bought way too many shoes in one month because of a fabulous sale I couldn’t resist, then I restrict myself to not buy any shoes until the month my shoe budget is up to date.

2.       Buy to be Versatile

To prevent myself from buying just any and every shoe that I think is cute, I ask myself, “Can I use it for multiple outfits? Can I dress it up or down? Where and when would I wear it to?”

If I can’t answer those questions, then it’s probably best that I don’t purchase it.

3.       Is it a good deal?

I found a pair of Coach shoes for $40 brand new, authentic, never worn at ROSS-Dress for Less. Do I need another pair of shoes? No. Have I already gone over my shoe budget for the next four months? Yes. Will I be able to find another pair of Coach shoes for $40? Probably not. I bought them. =D

Sometimes a good deal is a good deal. If I know it might be hard to find something at that price every again…think black Friday- then most likely it’s would be smarter to purchase it now then later. However, if it’s not on sale or a great deal, it might be best to wait because you can always find it later when it’s within your budget.