Question

I have a F&$K IT problem when I'm stressed. That's literally what I say as I blow my savings on crap for the house or kids or whatever I make an excuse for. I did good not spending much of anything for 3 weeks then stress got overwhelming and I blew $90 at hobby lobby today, from my emergency fund no less How do y'all with anxiety/depression related spending problems learn to control your F*%K IT impulse? The stressors is being worked on from every angle possible but it's not something I can make go away right now. Please help me figure out how to stop❤❤❤

Answer 1

I've started exercising. But for the times that I can't curb it, I have a sinking fund. I put $5/paycheck in it. I don't have them as often as I used to so I have a decent amount. If I don't use it by the end of the year, I will by myself something special.  

Answer 2

I go to the gym. Put on my rock music set my timer for an hour and done! I no longer go to the mall or my favorite stores anymore

Answer 3

I have this and what I do is return it all the next day. Problem solved lol

Answer 4

I have no clue but I’m right there with you.  

Answer 5

If your going to put it in your cart walk around with for awhile. Then try to imagine the guilt feeling when you get home. You know you will be mad at yourself. You have to find an outlet for stress.  

Answer 6

Maybe have a misc fund for these days. I’m trying that out now.  

Answer 7

I don't go shopping. :-)

Answer 8

I coupon. it helps with the shopping urges. and it takes time to think out the cheapest scenarios. and if it’s not something I need then I donate it

Answer 9

Don’t go in an expensive store

Answer 10

Spend time with partners, kids, pets. If you feel the urge to shop, redirect your thoughts to them. Kids always need something lol.  

Answer 11

Im always stress and i cant seem to get this budget thing down pack so i just spend money when im irritated or pissed off

Comments

@whenever exactly

Answer 12

Im the exact same. I had a hard week last week and just spent money all weekend.  

Answer 13

You have the receipt, right?! Take the crap you bought back! I love to shop, but what I’ve learned more is I love to browse. I’ve become perfectly content with going and getting ideas, etc. I always keep receipts because if I have a weak moment and impulse buy, I’ll take it back. Sometimes you just need out of the house. Sometimes you just need to let your mind wander. It’s a choice to let your excuses win, but if they do, learn to keep the receipts so you can return the items.  

Answer 14

OMG Hobby lobby is the worst store to go in when youre stressed or not! I cant not spend money in there because everything is so nice! Maybe if you feel the need to impulse shop, go to the Dollar Tree so its easier on your wallet  

Answer 15

Don't go in problem stores and stay away from their websites. Keep the money you don't want to spend in a seperate account with no debit card so it takes a few days to transfer it before you can spend it. Set a sinking fund for fun stuff so you don't feel deprived. Don't be so hard on yourself. Start again tomorrow.  

Answer 16

I have a shopping problem so I'm learning all about online resale apps

Answer 17

Maybe if you really feel relaxed by shopping you should set aside a little spending money, like 20 bucks each time you’re paid. If you spend it no guilt, if you don’t you can continue to add to a little self treating sinking fund for blowing off steam. This is all about controlling your finances and you deciding where your money goes even if it’s for things that some may not deem necessary.  

Answer 18

Only spend cash in hand. Emergency fund should not be cash hanging out in your wallet

Answer 19

Trying takin out the cash you need and maybe a bit extra incase u over spend. and then freeze your card til next payday. or when u go out leave ur cards at home. and then u have to go back to get it and by them ul be like ugh I dont wanna go back

Answer 20

Cierra Mazingo we just talked about me doing this.  

Answer 21

I give my car keys to my 10 year old and tell him to hide them  it works I also got rid of amazon so no online stuff

Answer 22

You know what makes me stress out and loose sleep. compound interest! Yes, this may be silly or may seem stupid to some people but paying all that extra cash to a company that could care less about me or my well being. just infuriates me and makes me go through all sorts of negative emotions. So I realized that I needed to change the way I manage my money, change my mindset, control my spending, and plan out my future so I can be debt free. So working out and eating well have been my go to for years now and this kind of consistency has helped me manage Adulting and my short but stressful debt free journey. Hope you find something that will help you overcome this hurtful behavior.  

Comments

Debbie,  Funny, but I personally don’t think about any CEO but I do think of “time equals money” and how in the hell am I going to maximize every dollar and how much I have to save and invest to have a prosperous and debt free future!  

Answer 23

I try not to leave the house. I try to occupy myself with a project, so that I don’t spend needlessly and regret it later.  

Answer 24

Take it all back, the hassle alone will slow you down next time.  

Answer 25

When I know I'm in that mood I put my money in time out. I only go places that i won't buy anything, only bring my ID and a $20, bring snacks for kids, etc. I feel you!  

Answer 26

Whenever I feel the impulse, I go to dollar tree. Whatever I spend, less than $30. And it will satisfy my need to spend.  

Answer 27

This is me to. I know the feeling. Emotional spender

Answer 28

This happens to me alot. I'm splitting up with my sons father. Together for 6 years. But I keep blowing money left and right. Instant gratification if killing my wallet.  

Answer 29

You shouldn’t have easy access to your savings. Try putting your savings into a credit union and have no debit card attached to it.  

Answer 30

This is me too. It’s been really bad ever since we agreed to let my dad live with us when he lost his job. I can’t get out of the funk but I have cut back SIGNIFICANTLY

Answer 31

Don’t give yourself the opportunity to spend- whether that means only keeping cash in your wallet, no cards. Or make a deal with yourself that you’re going to go through some steps when you recognize the triggers. Good luck!  

Answer 32

I’m an emotional spender as well, so I feel your struggle. I started finding other hobbies that occupy my hands and time, like baking and cooking. I also add items to my cart and leave them there for a few days-I rarely end up purchasing them!  

Answer 33

I had this problem and I found an extra hobby! I take medicine for anxiety and depression and have an extremely stressful job, so I took up puzzling! It gives me something to really concentrate on, and at the end I feel really accomplished. They can get expensive but you can typically find used ones at goodwill. I also ask for them as gifts for holidays so I don’t have to spend my own funds, but I do have an envelope for my hobbies as well because I think it’s important. I also craft and it does get really expensive.  

Answer 34

Just return it in a few days.,  

Answer 35

If you spend $ you regret, take the things back. If you shop out of boredom or for something to do. declutter your house and sell things not used. Unsubscribe to any stores that send sales and coupon ads. Learn to not grief shop as I call it. Stay off websites, Amazon and away from stores especially when you know you need nothing. This month I've been staying home, decluttering, gathering items to sell at resale store and spent less than 1/3 of allotted grocery budget, found lots of "crap/stuff/boredom " items to sell and plan to be in the plus starting next month.  

Answer 36

I literally sent my mom a text today saying "Talk me down [. ] I'm about to say F#&K the budget". In the end, I remembered how much I'm loving this challenge, the trip to Hawaii I'm saving for & how I'd feel if I blew it. I hurried up & got outside with my boys & felt soooo much better. I realized this was seasonal affective disorder meets postpartum hormones + stress. My plan going forward is to buy some vitamin D (I've already been told my numbers are low) & get to the park with my kids every morning - even if they're still in jammies ‍♀️ I also like the idea of an F it envelope! Things were tight this first check, but surely I can manage $5-$10 every 2 weeks.  

Answer 37

As a therapist I'd totally recommend going to therapy! So much of our spending habits are tied to emotional triggers and coping mechanisms. I'd start bringing some awareness to yourself by thinking about how your needs were met financially growing up. How did your parents use their money? We're you cared for? Did you feel like you had enough? Were your emotional needs met? These are all great questions to start with! If we didn't feel good enough as a child we may not feel worthy of allowing ourselves to create security with our money.