Is it possible to change ? I'm a compulsive, obsessive buyer and I want to stop.

[Colourfulpast1975]

I spend a lot on things, my biggest downfall is food, I'm always buying food even if the fridge is full...it's like money is burning my hand. I'm not well off, I can't help myself. I can't go out without buying anything. Anyone is similar and/or has managed to change ? Any plan to suggest ?

Goodness that makes me look

Arghh.

Makes me look really sad

I would agree with others who recommend counselling. It will be interesting and therapeutic ... and it's kind of buying something as you will have to shop around to find someone good which you might enjoy. Go on. You are worth it.

Good for you for recognising the issue. Your childhood does not sound easy. 55 hours of work is quite a lot. Are you stressed?

Thank you all. I'm stressed but in the other hand I'm earning loads of money...something I have never done before. I had counselling before as I had depression following a not so easy childhood/teenageood. Things were tough, I have 2 other siblings. I got told a lot by my parents I was unlucky because when they had money for one at the time, they didn't have the money for the other (me). They used to seat every Monday and do the money/budget..it was awful, they shouted at each other. We were not poor but definitely struggling. When I buy something, I often refer to my childhood (in my head) thinking man it's good to be an independent adult. My kids want for nothing, they probably get so much more than I got growing up.

When you get your pay check. Put money aside for food, so make a budget and put it in to a savings account. I used to buy Starbucks everyday spending nearly 30 a week. Every time I wanted a Starbucks I put 3.50 in to my savings account when I felt compelled to buy. I get free coffee from waitrose now with my waitrose card.

I've also saved up £700 in a few months from cutting back

I meant to say put the rest in to your savings account. So when you get paid, deduct rent and utilities etc. Make a buffet for food, take that out in cash and put the rest in to your account.

Jellybean-that's a fantastic idea actually ! I have a pockit card, I'll put everything in it ! Thank you !!

Use the addictive aspect to ur advantage if you can ?
I used to be addicted to buying clothes I didn't want for the hit of buying but after felt terrible
So I guess the behevoiyr of buying too much rewards you too ? So - can you get that reward another way ? Such as meal planning ? Beating the system by keeping money for you and yours for other things ? I have enjoyed being more frugal - I have occasional lapses !!!! -but mostly it is fine . So I feel good when I don't spend mostly and when I do it is generally more considered .
Remember you live in the land of enough it's ok - it's shops that try and tell us otherwise !
Good look -there is loads of help on the internet too .