Need to stop spending so much!

[CC2021]

I think I use shopping as an emotional crutch. It's gotten totally out of hand this year and I reached almost £1000 on my credit card over the last month

How do I get a hold of it and stop bloody spending so much???

Start by cutting up your credit card, getting out what cash you need for the week and using that

Thanks @BadlydoneHelen I've just deleted my credit card details from my PayPal and Amazon account as it was too easy to buy things using it. The credit card comes in handy for things like car MOT so I think I'll get DH to hide it for me. Hopefully he'll remember where he puts it

I was thinking also to transfer a set (agreed, obviously) amount into my current account per month and once it's gone it's gone. Although would it be better to not do that at all? I thought maybe it would be better than going totally cold turkey from spending also comes in useful for things like books (I love reading).

If you keep the credit card for the MOT put it in a ziplock bag with water and put that bag in the freezer.

What have you bought? Make a list and or put the purchases on your bed. If it’s loads of toiletries, use them before buying another bottom shampoo etc. If it’s something you don’t need and could sell then do that and use the money to pay the credit card off. Always pay more than the minimum, even it’s only quid to begin.

Work towards never using the card, eventually you will be able to pay for the MOT without your credit card.

Use the library or charity shops/swaps with friends for books.

The fact that you have recognised this in yourself shows that you are really switched on so well done for this and also for wanting to do something about it (I don’t mean this patronisingly at all so I hope you take this in the way it is intended). It’s easy for any of us to get caught up in a spiral of spending and doesn’t take long before it is out of control.
A tip that works for me is if I see something I like, I really think about purchasing it and also whether I want or need it. I give it a few days and most of the time it’s something I want rather than need and I’ve gone off the idea anyway.
It’s so easy to get caught up in buying things and the initial thrill. However once you see the money still sitting in your account, it’s ten times better.

Sorry, meant to add that I love reading too but have made a strict rule with myself not to buy new books until I have read some in my pile. I tend to save any that catch my eye or have good reviews, in my Amazon account. When I’ve read a few I already have, I choose some more to buy. Otherwise I think I would be buying stacks every week!

The suggestions above are good, but think about the flip side too. If spending is an emotional crutch - what can you do to meet that emotional need in other, non-spend ways? If you don’t address the need, it will burst out at some point (either in a huge spend, or in being emotionally low).

On my list of free/cheap ways to meet emotional needs are getting books from the Library (both e-books and real ones), organising or decluttering part of my house (sounds odd, but the feeling I get is amazing!), meditating (I bought both the Calm and Headspace app - more spending! But worth it) and going for a walk outside with a friend and having a good catch up. I tried baths, and they just didn’t work for me.

I am always on the hunt for more, if you have any.....?

I love books too. I often buy good quality second hand books from World of Books. Most of the books are still good quality and there is free postage.

I use spending as a crutch. It makes me feel better. I love it.
I have a budget for frippery each month. I can spend that money on anything I like. Clothes, coffee, books, fancy smellies. But there is a limit. Knowing it’s there and will be there again next month means I enjoy that spend but don’t feel overwhelmed or let it get out of control.