For some people, shopping is a leisurely activity done for recreation and pleasure. Strolling through the local mall looking at all of the wonderful things available for purchase gives some people a warm and pleasant feeling that intensifies when they actually purchase something for themselves or someone else.
While this is fine when shopping occasionally, some people become addicted to this feeling and begin shopping much more than what is healthy for their financial situation. A shopping addiction can cause you to spend much more than you should on things that you really don’t need, wasting money that could be saved for your future needs. Here are some of the red flags that signal that you may have a shopping addiction.
You Buy And Return Things Frequently
Many people that have a shopping addiction find themselves frequently buying and returning items at various stores. This is generally because the person buys the item because it feels good to them, feels guilty later because they know they bought something they really didn’t need, and then returns the item so they can get their money back. This eats up a great deal of time that could be spent doing more productive things and you may lose money to restocking fees, discount reductions, or missing the return deadline. Instead of continuing to fall victim to the shopping cycle, another activity should be found that brings you enjoyment without costing you a lot of money.
You Choose Shopping To Relax You When You’re Stressed
Some people shop more when they are under a great deal of stress because shopping relaxes them and makes them feel better. Unfortunately, the good feelings do not last and the person may find themselves shopping more, and spending more, trying to regain the calmness that they felt before. There are healthier options for recovering from a stressful life event or terrible day. Some people find that exercising to the point of sweating, then resting in a warm bath is an effective alternative to emotional shopping when trying to decompress.
You Buy Things Impulsively
Impulsively buying items without thinking about them is another red flag that you may be suffering from a shopping addiction. If you frequently find yourself looking at a purchase with the price tags still attached and struggling to recall when or why you purchased it, there is a good chance that you are buying things to fill an emotional need instead of a material one. Instead of making an impulsive purchasing choice in the heat of the moment, delay the purchase for at least a week or two so that you can think about the purchase, review your budget, comparison shop and make an informed decision on whether or not you truly need the item.