Curing a Spending Addiction Can Relieve Debt for Chicago Shoppers

You might think the easiest cure for a shopping addiction would be having less money to spend - but you'd be wrong.

That's like saying someone addicted to gambling will stop pressing their luck when they start losing - ain't gonna happen. Much like gambling, overeating or smoking, spending can be a compulsion. And sometimes the more things spiral out of control, the more an addict clings to her compulsive behavior. Because of that, some folks actually spend most carelessly during a recession.

If you're consistently living paycheck to paycheck, you may want to ask yourself the following questions.

Have you ever hidden purchases from family or friends? Do you buy stuff you don't really need - and often times end up not even using - just for the thrill of the hunt? Have you never met a sale that you didn't like, regardless of what it is that you're buying on sale? Have you noticed certain emotional triggers can send you on a spending binge - for instance, when you're stressed about work or angry at someone close to you?

If some of the above scenarios sound familiar, you might have a very real shopping addiction. In many cases, the cure is as simple as learning to recognize and correct your behavior.

When you find yourself driving towards the mall after an argument or a rough day at work, ask yourself how overspending will make you feel in the long run. Chances are it will add, not relieve, stress. Controlling your spending, on the other hand, can feel like a weight lifting off your shoulders. Think about much easier it would be to pay the bills if you didn't spend every last dime on stuff you don't really want. And think of how much extra time you'd have if you weren't always at your favorite stores - or trolling your favorite websites. You might be able to finally lower that debt - and free up your finances.

Of course, sometimes a shopping habit can be too strong to break alone - or you might have so much debt leftover from your splurges that it feels impossible to get back on track, even after you've modified your behavior. That's when you know it's time to seek help.

At DebtStoppers, our professional Chicago bankruptcy lawyers can determine whether a bankruptcy plan can finally free you from debt and put you back in control of your finances- all you have to do is sign up for a free, no-strings-attached personal debt analysis. With less bills to pay, you'll have more money leftover for yourself each month - and less stress to driving you to spend it.