This issue I can certainly relate to. I think a lot of people out there can too.

 

Before I move on I just want to say my heart goes out to you all. Credit is so freely available and the pressure to look good in today’s society just overwhelms and takes over. But it is now becoming more accepted that shopping is an addiction. This is great news as it really will help a lot of people come to terms with why they shop. Like other addictions out there, there too are now support groups. Just follow the link to take you to the official website http://www.debtorsanonymous.org/

 

Ok so first thing you have to do is calm down and now you have recognised the problem don’t bury your head in the sand. Be brave and tackle it head on.

 

First off start by dealing with your shopping addiction. Go on that website and see where the nearest support group is. They have a list of groups from around the globe. If your area doesn’t have one and you’re ready for some commitment and responsibility you can start your own group. There is a tab on the website where you can register your own support group. These groups will help you figure out why you shop and help you over come the problem.

 

Once you have started to come to terms with this you need to start to figure out your debt. Go into your bank talk to an advisor. They will help you workout your money issues. Check out my last blog as this helps with debt also.

 

But please when you’re sorting out your debt don’t cripple yourself paying it off. Put a little money aside each month to treat yourself. I don’t mean for you to buy a new dress as this may set back the shopping addiction. It’s for you to go out with your friends on a night out or invite them round with a few pizza’s DVD’s and a face mask, or just get a manicure. Whatever takes your fancy.

 

And if you happen to find an urge to shop because hey you have nothing to wear it means you have way to many clothes (what am I saying is that even possible). Follow my steps to adding a bit of sparkle back into your wardrobe.

 

NB: A wardrobe should never be over crowded. We need to be able to see all of our clothes and if we cant we will never have anything to wear.

 

STEP ONE

 

Make 4 piles:

 

Love and always wear

Ok and sometimes wear

Don’t really like and never wear

Completely forgot I even had that

 

STEP TWO

 

Organise all the clothes, shoes, bags, accessories etc into these piles. Be honest when sorting them, otherwise this task will become pointless.

 

 

STEP THREE

 

Now take the pile labelled Love and always wear. Start adding these back into your wardrobe. Make sure you only put quality undamaged clothes that fit you perfectly back in.

 

STEP FOUR

 

Now take the pile labelled Ok and sometimes wear. Be frugal with this pile. Only put back into your wardrobe if:

 

You will wear it more than once in a month?

Do you truly love everything about it?

Do you have similar in your wardrobe?

Does it fit correctly?

Is it a quality piece?

Is it undamaged?

 

(Why not get your girlfriends round, this could be a fun night in. Plus they can give you an honest opinion on whether it should stay or go)

 

STEP FIVE

 

Take the pile marked you don’t really like and never wear and put it to one side. Nothing from that pile is going back into your wardrobe.

 

STEP SIX

Take the pile you have forgotten about and sort out. Like what you would wear, does it fit, is it undamaged, will I wear it.

 

STEP SEVEN

 

Now your wardrobe hopefully won’t be to full and you will have a lovely set of clothes you love.

 

NOW WHAT TO DO WITH THE REST

 

With all the clothes that are left over there are a few options for you to try out. Plus you can make some money. Turns out getting rid of those old clothes was a great idea after all:

 

If you’re unsure of whether you like an item or not why not customise it and put your own stamp on it.

Sort out your room too, then take all your treasures to a car boot sale. Just set up a stall and make some money on your old stuff.

With the more expensive pieces put them on eBay, you may make more money from them there.

Anything you don’t sell give away to a charity shop.

With the extra cash you may even be able to clear one of your credit cards.

 

Well that’s it for me for this week.

 

Join me on Friday when I will be explaining APR’s in the simplest of ways. Plus as I am on holiday for 2 weeks when I get back I will be helping you to turn that talent and imagination into cash.