How To Cure an Online Shopping Addiction

It’s easy to click away the day’s stresses – and your whole paycheck. Get your spending under control with a little effort.

Instructions

• Step 1: Pick a non-stressful day to implement your plan. When you get the urge to click "Complete This Purchase," stop; pick up your list and focus on a healthier activity.
• Step 2: Seek professional help if your addiction persists, if you have withdrawals, if it interferes with your relationships, or if it causes you excessive debt.
• FACT: According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, consumers spent $26 billion shopping online in 2008.
• Step 3: Write down several positive ways to cope with your triggers. Call a supportive friend, exercise, or engage in a hobby.
• Step 4: Write down the situations and feelings that send you on a compulsive shopping spree. For some people, stress and depression are triggers; for others, it’s boredom and loneliness.
• TIP: Join an online or in-person support group for compulsive shopping.
• Step 5: Write down all of your regular monthly expenses. Decide how much you can spend each month on "extras," and to stick to it.
• TIP: Don’t allow online companies to store your credit card information for future purchases. The inconvenience of having to get your credit card out may deter you from purchasing
• Step 6: Gather your receipts – or look at bank and credit card statements – to estimate how much you are spending.