Last Updated on April 13, 2017 by Marie Bautista
From “I think therefore I am,”, I went straight to “I buy, therefore I am.”
So are you a shopaholic?
Shopping has become a recreational activity. For some people, it is all about identity and status and recreation and companionship, even about meaning in people’s lives.
Does shopping=therapy?
Not long ago, retail therapy was one of those shiny, new concepts that could light up our lives. So when we shopped, we felt happy because or minds were getting a rush. We were happier still when malls came along and our options multiplied. Then it all kind of went out of control with the advent of payday weekend sales and online shopping.
Now, shopping is what we do when we’re bored, tired, upset, happy, or just “want to do something, but don’t know what. In fact, the author of “Not Buying It:My Year Without Shopping” said:
“Shopping defeats, or at leas circumvents boredom, but not only because it fill idle time. Consumption is an exercise in hope, hope for more happiness, more beauty, more status, more fun.”
Is Shopping a Compulsive Behavior?
Not really, because love of shopping does not necessarily mean you are a shopping addict.
- shopping alone
- hiding your purchases
- spending more than you planned
- shopping to enhance your mood and
- putting more time and energy into shopping than maintaining relations with family and friends.
Do you need to be a Woman to be shopaholic?
When it comes to shopping, women have traditionally been more conspicuous, more affected by changing trends and fashions, the newest age-defying miracles, or trends in home ware. But does our gender make us more prone to this addiction.
Is Shopping a Treat? Or a Trick?
When you are upset, you go out and buy something. It makes you feel better.
Shopping may equal debt
I have a friend who has a well-paying job, and decided to go on a weekend break in Hong Kong. She returned with around $2,000 worth of bills on her credit card. Of course, since she has a high salary, she was able to pay her debts in a couple of months. As she has before. But while she is not bothered by debt, like many people with high disposable income, she has virtually no savings.
There are many people in the same boat as my friend, who would rather spend than save. And there are many more who cannot pay it off. I know some people who just pay the minimum per month.
It is really a vicious cycle. When you are in debt, you are anxious and going #shoppingpamore will perk you up, which will eventually make you depressed later (especially if you get your bill!)
Saving for a rainy day is not tough. Read my tips on how to manage your money.
And after you have saved for your emergency fund, you can try to venture into stocks.
Getting into stocks can give you great returns, but I tell you, it is veeeryyy RISKY.
You will need a guide. Read Bo Sanchez’ book on his maids’ foray into the stock world. This book helped me decide to stop my shopping addiction.
If his maids are investing (and earning) from the stock market, you could, too.
Read this book. It is free 
.
