Every time I get my bi-weekly paycheck, I get the urge to spend it and It's causing big problems for me, financially and physically.
I cannot stop spending, the only time i don't spend is during the week when I am at work and my kids are at school, it's because I work long hours and have a lunch pack I never have time to spend any money but during the weekend I cannot help but go out and spend on absolutely anything even if it's as little as eating out. I get such a buzz out of spending money yet when it comes to bills I start feeling depressed. To be honest I cannot even afford spending as much as I do, I always keep a dairy with me to show how much I have spent and what on but I never keep up with it, this idea only occurs when I am left broke for a while until the next time. I know I shouldn't do this, last weekend i vowed not to spend but sitting indoors trying to keep busy playing with my girls really got me down eventually I said "common babes we are going out",yet during the week I always make time for my girls simply playing, reading, painting, chatting and it doesn't bother me, I actually enjoy it. Even my girls have gotten used to "going out" every weekend! Please help, how can I stop myself? How do I discipline my partner " as he's as bad as I am" to help each other stop spending? I take control of the finance and so when it comes to checking my bank balance I am almost devastated. It started last Christmas I got used to living on overdraft money and when I do manage to save enough and its back on credited I get excited but I soon find a way to go back to the "below credit"habit. I know this is an issue and wondered if you have any advice for me? my parents have always been sensible with money not sure where I got my habit from!!
Shopaholic
By zoeyzoha24 - Posted on April 21st, 2009
Have at least 2 bank accounts for yourself and work in percentages.
Have a checking account and a savings account. When you get your check divvy it up asap. I dont know how much your income is or how much your expenses are, but you should be able to make a rubric for where the money goes. Here's an example of how to split up EACH CHECK: 50% for your bills, 40% for your savings, and 10% for disposable income. So if you get $1,000 each paycheck, put all of it in your savings except for $100. Once you get more disciplined put the money for your bills in your checking account, but untill you are sure you wont use it, keep it in your saving account until bills are due. Plan 'going outs' around that disposable income, and if you run out, dont use any more. WILL POWER. thats a good trait to display for your children as well. :) Also try to cook at home instead of eating out or going to the drive thru.
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http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/mai
Peace & Blessings
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your help. I will definitely do that.