According to a study from the University of Hertfordshire, 79% of women see shopping as a way to cheer themselves up. 40% said depression makes them spend.
But, as anyone who's ever had any debt knows, this cheer up strategy can cost more than just money - from sleepless nights worrying about paying off credit cards to relationship angst if you're keeping your spending from your partner.
Women aren't the only ones who spend money when they know they'd be better off saving.
Are you an emotional overspender?
Before heading for the checkout (in a shop or online), ask yourself what you're really trying to buy. Is it the item you're buying or the lifestyle you'd like to have?
If you're trying to buy into more than the actual thing you're buying, think of other things you can do instead.
Think about the way you feel when you decide to go shopping.
If you're physically going, what prompted you to walk into the shop? Were you walking past and saw something calling to you from inside? Did you set out deliberately to shop?
If shopping online, what were you doing before you ended up on your favourite online shopping site?
By getting to know your own triggers, you'll be better able to identify the times when you're trying to use shopping as a fix and when you're simply buying something that you need, want and can afford.
To help see your spending habits more clearly, start a log.
To begin with, note every single expense within minutes of making it (if you wait until the evening, you'll probably have forgotten a lot).
Then, once a week, take some time to review it.
No one's suggesting you stop spending altogether, but by shopping a bit more mindfully, you'll wind up much happier with the things you purchase.
How were you feeling when you bought ___?
Is there anything you now regret buying?
What could you have done instead to have a longer term (and cheaper) effect on your mood?
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