This is a safe space. Leave your credit cards at the door, close the Amazon app, and turn off your mind. While it's not alcohol or drugs, it is a problem. You don't want to admit it, but we've had enough relapses and rock bottoms to know a shopaholic when we see one– and you are it! Sorry for the tough love, but you need a nudge. Don't worry though, we still love you, and with the stories of fellow shopaholics on Reddit, we are here to help! Step into this confessional as if you were Carrie Bradshaw at a Manolo Blahnik sample sale. We'll give you a deal of a lifetime: tips for confronting your shopping addiction and how to finally put an end to it.
Build Your Fantasy Self With action Instead of Items
We used to aspire to be like the women on our Pinterest boards and social media feeds, but this fueled addictive spending habits. This recovering shopaholic shares coping mechanisms that can fight shopping urges and boost your confidence without clothes.
This Redditor shopped pursuing the "fantasy self of how I want to look like. To fight this, find an action that will contribute to that fantasy self instead...Want a velvet beret to feel more international and sophisticated? go on the internet to learn some French."
Play Would You Rather
For this therapy session, we understand going cold turkey is easier said than done, so we won't enforce that method of cutting off ties with your credit card. This person didn't deny themselves of shopping, but limited themselves in doses.
This person said, "Make it a “would you rather” instead of a 'no you can’t.'...I can go, 'Sure, you can get that palette if you want, but what would you prefer? A new palette, or money to go out this weekend?'."
Progress! $18,000 of CC paid off!
Look around your room. Do you have dresses hung in your closet collecting dust? Now look at your credit card bill. It's time to put the money you'd spend on clothes towards paying off that bill as this Redditor did.
"For the past year I've had backslides and purchased things I later regretted, but I am so incredibly proud of how far I've come. I've paid off 75% of my debt. I can see the light at the end of this tunnel." We're so proud!
Shop Your Own Closet
Staring at our closet in frustration, you claim, "I have "nothing to wear." This used to send us on a shopping spree, sifting through beautiful racks at the mall. However, this former shopaholic has a helpful hack for scratching the shopping itch at home.
"Make your wardrobe into a store. Put it back as lovely as possible, as if my closet was a store. All the stuff is pressed and facing the same way...Then I revel in pushing the hangers back and forth, shopping my own closet like a tiny private boutique."
Play The Matching Game
You can do this! You have all the tools already in your closet for creating the dream wardrobe you see on Instagram and Pinterest. Following this tip has saved us from impulse shopping.
Her advice is to pick a top or bottom as a base. "Now go through ALL your tops/bottoms and see if it matches and could be an outfit. You have way more outfits than you thought I do this with little stick figures in my notebook and color them."
Prevent "I have nothing to wear" Syndrome
Anyone who looks in your closet would refute the idea that you have nothing to wear. Denial is all part of this shopping disease, but you can combat it with this effective hack. You just need your phone and clothes!
"Pick 5 to 10 occasions that happen in your life that make you say this," they advise. "Just ensure that these are events that really happen and not some fantasy galas... Now, make nice outfits from your closet in preparation...when you feel stumped. Save them on your phone."
Be a Copycat
You're not alone in wanting to shop; cured shopaholics know the feeling but are here to help you see the path out of the deep closet of unnecessary purchases. This person's tip saves you from buying new pieces you want online.
Their coping mechanism is to wear what you already have. "Find some pictures you like on Instagram, or Pinterest, or even a clothes catalog. Try to copy the outfits with your existing clothes and see how it looks/feels."
Lean Into your Fantasy Self
Think buying a pair of Louboutins will make you feel like a million bucks? Wrong. It drains your hard-earned savings and will collect dust in your closet. Stop buying clothes and shoes for your fantasy life, and start doing like this Redditor.
"Think about it, what would that ideal fantasy woman be doing? Probably not shopping. Want to be a business boss-lady? Watch some career videos on YouTube and take notes! Your actions will bring you a lot closer to your fantasy self than clothes ever will."
Have a Friend Style You
Instead of sending your BFF links to sneakers or jeans you want, have her style you in your own closet. Enabling a shopping addiction doesn't make for a good friend. But helping you revive outfits makes for a bestie for life.
"Some times we need a fresh pair of eyes for inspiration. Ask a friend to make new outfits for you with your existing clothes. Then go make outfits for her in her closet. All the thrill of new pieces and outfits, zero money spent."
Send Stuff Away to be Laundered
We will still love you even if there's a wrinkle in your blouse. But if that bothers you, refrain from buying a new one. Instead, give it a refresh. This hack will give your old clothes a new life.
"I will sometimes grab a few unworn/less loved items and send them away to the dry cleaners. They come back shiny, smelling nicer than my regular clothes and wrapped in plastic and with the cleaner's tag, as if they were brand new."
The Satisfaction of Binge Cleaning
Being a shopaholic means you probably have an addictive personality. If you love binge shopping, why not try binge cleaning? This person's hack clears your mind, closet, and space, leaving room for only your most loved and necessary items.
"I absolutely get a rush from going through my house/closet and getting rid of anything that doesn't feel "me" or spark joy anymore," they said.
"Also, I love the feeling of having more space in my house and extra hangers in my closet for once."
Make a List, Check It Twice
This tip will save you from countless impulse buys. If only we thought of this first, we wouldn't have feathered pajamas when we really needed work pants. Try it yourself! You only need determination and your Notes App.
This former shopaholic said, "Track things I want in a list in my phone. Writing it down gives me some satisfaction because I know I won't forget about it, and I can plan out when to buy it."
Nothing Will Change
Time for a breakthrough therapy session. Buying new leggings won't make you thinner; buying new glasses won't get you a new job; buying a new designer purse won't make you cooler.
"When you put on expensive luxury heels, no one will notice," this person said. "You're still the same person, you still have the same problems, nobody cares, and when you spend all your money on shopping (except for new debts), nothing will change!"
$460.58
When considering a purchase, think again. Would you rather spend $400 on a bag now or save that money for a vacation for later? Even if it's just a few dollars, saving is smarter than throwing away money.
"Last month I opened a new savings account, and every time I was tempted to buy something we didn't need, I took that money and transferred it to the savings account instead. It may not seem like a huge amount, but I'm so proud."
They "Miss Me"
Don't fall for this trick. They don't miss you– they miss you spending money. Stores texting and emailing you are like ex-boyfriends; they only ask, "U up?" when they want something. End the toxic relationship by putting your foot down.
"They offer me 30% discount [because] they "miss me. But then it hit me: I was doing exactly what they want me to do. I don't need anything and there is only one way to save as much as possible: TO NOT BUY AT ALL!"
Cancelled an Order and Transferred the Money Into My Savings
This person lost sleep over her $300 impulse purchase. To end the nightmares, she canceled the order, realizing something we all should: a new bag won't raise your social status. Use the money for something more uplifting.
"I looked this addiction and this need for approval squarely in the face, asked it what it was here to teach me, and said 'i will not shop with you today'. cancelled the item and my savings account is now $300 bigger."
Today, I Returned a Designer Bag That I Couldn't Afford
You go girl! We're so proud you had the self-awareness to realize you're living above your means. Just because you're bored doesn't mean you need a bag that costs more than your paycheck. Stop this doomscrolling habit like this person did.
"I ordered a designer bag that I couldn't afford (I put it on my credit card) simply because I thought it was cute and I was bored," they said. "I realized that not only do I not need the bag, I don't even like it!"
You Don't Need Clothes to Be Somebody Special
I hate to break it to you, but wearing Gucci loafers and a Hermes belt doesn't make you a rich, classy person. Class and style come from within, so stop shopping designer just because of the fancy label.
"Sometimes I think I buy things in hopes that it will make up whatever I'm lacking in life. Like if I buy designer brand clothes that proves I'm classy guy. I get a little high but that quickly disappears and then I want something else."
Look Inwards
Look inside your wardrobe instead of online shopping. We assure you you have 'new' clothes with price tags still on them. Not every occasion warrants a new outfit. We'll hold your hand as you journey through your closet of impulse purchases.
"I don’t know who needs to hear this (me, I do) but you don’t need to go shopping for an outfit," they admit. "You have one. You have all the outfits so close the computer and back away slowly."
Just Because it's On Sale Doesn't Mean you Need It
We are so proud of this person's self-control. This tip has saved us hundreds of dollars and closet space. Just because you're getting a good deal, doesn't mean you need it (or 10 of the same item).
This recovering shopaholic said, "Awareness is knowing you don’t need $50 worth of leggings from Old Navy’s $6 Leggings sale, exit out of your shopping cart and go eat a brownie instead." Treat yourself in the kitchen, not the mall!
Turn Your Camera Roll Into An Instagram
Do you mindlessly scroll Instagram, look at the outfit pics, see something you "needed," and compulsively buy it? You're not alone. This coping strategy will save you from clicking Apple Pay while still using your phone.
This person added pictures of her outfits and shoes to a folder on her phone. "Now, whenever I feel the desire to scroll/buy, I just go through the folder on my phone. Turns out that my clothes look just as alluring as the clothes on instagram do."
Skincare is A Scam!
Don't let celebrity-endorsed products fool you. These people get plastic surgery to look clean and clear– they don't use La Mer. Ditch the 10-step luxury skincare routine like this person did. Their skin has never looked better!
"I have spent thousands of dollars on really expensive serums and my skin was so stressed. Now I just use a normal face wash, a good thick moisturizer, and sometimes SPF. I have saved so much money."
Not Shopping as an Act of Protest
"Companies should not be the gatekeepers to my own happiness," this former consumer said. We preach this sentiment too; trendy jeans shouldn't be the things that make you happy. Not to mention, the production costs of these products are significantly less than the retail price.
"Corporations are seeing record profits, and I do not want to contribute to that anymore," they said. "So in an act of protest, I am not purchasing anything outside of absolute necessities. I'm rediscovering the things that once brought me joy."
“Just remember: you can admire a thing, without acquiring a thing.”
This is a great way to appreciate someone else's style without being jealous you can't wear what they have. Don't dwell on what you lack, but rather be inspired by what you admire, like this successful recovering shopaholic.
"I saw a woman wearing a long green trench coat and my first instinct was that I wanted one too. So I just said to myself the mantra: 'It’s okay to admire a thing, but it doesn’t mean you have to acquire that thing.'"
You Don't Need Another Credit Card
Shopaholics have a habit of collecting things like shoes, jackets, and credit cards. When you swipe, it seems like the items are magically free, but then comes the daunting bill. Our advice: close store credit cards to disincentivize shopping there.
"I took everyone’s advice and returned $1500 of it, I only kept a ring that I really liked and it’s not crazy expensive...I wanted validation that what I did was ok. It wasn’t, I’m closing the credit card the jewelry store gave me."
Don't Use Shopping as a Distraction From Investing in Your Self
Conquering your shopping addiction requires self-reflection. What are you avoiding when you add to cart? If you buy a new workout set, are you insecure about your body? Instead of shopping, address the issues. It's hard, but we know you can do it!
"So when something is challenging or hurtful, I don't immediately think 'I have the power within myself to start to fix this,'" they said. "Instead, I do the simple thing with low stakes. Purchase items related the problem, hoping they will solve it."
I Did It!!!
If you buy 5 iced lattes a week for $6, that's $120 a month. 20 lattes could equal a car payment or money towards utilities for an apartment you want. Do the math, work towards one big item you want, and set a goal.
"The plan going forward is to gradually allow myself pocket money, but have big ticket items to save up for. I have had an iPhone 6s since 2015. I told myself it's something I can save up for as part of the next phase of my self-prescribed "treatment"."
One Is Enough
With weekly product launches, it can be tempting to want the latest drop. Whether it's a new lipgloss or sneaker, you want it. But listen up: you don't need it. You already have pink lip oil and white sneakers– no need to buy more.
"One eyeshadow palette with all the major colors is more than enough," this recovering shopaholic advises. "No, you don’t need the new palette that just launched. No, it’s not a necessity. Yes, you will do just fine without it."
Just Stopped Myself from Spending $200 on Sephora
Round of applause for this woman's big step towards recovery! It's not easy stepping into an aromatic and bright makeup wonderland, but put prices in perspective. Would you rather spend $200 on lipsticks or a fancy dinner with friends?
"I don’t normally shop at Sephora, but I smelt a perfume I really like and saw a mascara in a pretty box and wanted to get them. Then, I asked myself: would I rather have mascara or a house (that’s what I’m saving for)?"
Payday Doesn't Mean Shopping Day
We all know the instant rush of dopamine we get when the direct deposit hits. However, stop instantly running to Amazon.com when you get paid. If you wanted to buy new jeans, put on an old pair you forgot about. Do something else besides spend.
"Can someone please remind me that just because it’s payday, does not mean I need to go shopping. I have food for the weekend, I have streaming services to watch, I have books to read, I have crafts to do, I have clothes to wear."
Finally Paid off Afterpay!
"I'm never using these "buy now pay later" services ever again and I recommend avoiding them like the plague!" this Redditor declares. Paying in portions might seem economical, but you're constantly reminded of your debt. Don't buy something if you can't afford it upfront.
She said, "I realized this morning that I've FINALLY paid off Afterpay which has made it nearly impossible to feel like I'm making a dent on the rest of my debt. This is a huge step for me in the right direction."
Watching Reviews of Items I Already Own
Spark joy, not jealousy. Instead of watching vlogs of people reviewing their Christmas hauls with links to buy, enjoy the items you already own. This hack will save you room in the closet and money in your wallet.
"I'm the type of person who likes to watch YouTube reviews of things I'm interested in purchasing, but it usually ends up with me buying stuff I don't ultimately need. Instead of watching reviews of things I want to buy, I'm watching reviews of things I've already bought."
When Mystery Boxes Are No Longer Fun
Do you order so many packages you don't even know what to expect in the mail? If your home looks like an Amazon warehouse, it's time to admit you have a problem, like this person did.
She had enough of "Growing tired of breaking down recycling boxes, and becoming embarrassed that I have a huge amount of recycling to take down to the common room in my apartment complex. "Realizing I didn't even know what was in certain boxes" didn't spark excitement.
Shop for Quality, Not Quantity
"Don’t view shopping as a hobby," this recovering shopper said. Buying 10 pairs of shoes when you need a textbook for school isn't a good hobby. Enrich yourself with things you actually need and don't shop out of boredom.
"I spend my money on things that improve my quality of life rather than things that only make me happy for a few moments," they said. "I would only buy things that gave me a boost of dopamine, and avoided buying necessities."
Delete the Wish List
Wishlists turn into shopping carts eventually. These curated lists on our favorite sites encourage shopping and overspending. Delete your Amazon wishlist. Stop following influencers' Like To Know It pages. Don't wish for clothes, wish for goals.
"I deleted all of my wish list at stores. I deleted all of my Amazon wish list because I felt like they encouraged me to buy more. I no longer add items to wish list." We wish you all the best!
Dress To Impress Yourself
This tip might seem silly in a sea of people in leggings and sweats, but it will boost your mood and save you from shopping. Dress in your nicest outfit when shopping for someone else so you prove to yourself you already have nice things.
"Don’t wear a raggedy outfit to the mall," they suggest. "It’s just a little reminder to myself that I HAVE nice clothes and good cosmetics at home and I don’t need more."
What helped me beat shopping addiction
Putting life in perspective and ditching the materialistic world can save you thousands. This person wanted to live a simple life. "Over the course of twenty years, I estimate I must have spent $30,000 on items I didn’t really need," she admits.
"...I came across a picture of young women working in the Slazenger tennis ball factory in Woolwich, London in 1926. They were working class...They led simple, average lives. Most likely none of these girls ever owned twenty jackets...and still some of them lived happy lives."
Delete or Reduce TikTok and Instagram
Social media is your biggest enemy when it comes to fighting a shopping addiction. You see celebrities and influencers wearing the latest styles, you save them to your Pinterest board, and add them to your cart. Deleting these apps will save you money and mental clarity.
"You won’t miss anything if you don’t have TikTok or Instagram," this person said. "Let the Kardashians/Jenners, the Biebers and all the other influencers live their lives and focus on building your dream life." Keep up with yourself!
Instead of shopping this Black Friday, I unsubscribed from multiple email and Instagram shopping accounts
Black Friday emails poke and prod until you cave. 35% off cashmere? Sounds great, but you live in Florida and don't need them. Follow this person's advice, and unsubscribe from these email lists. It has saved us money and phone storage.
"It has caused me nothing but anxiety and turmoil," this former shopper said. "What is a better day to unsubscribe than on the day I get a bunch of emails and advertisements? Black Friday/Cyber Monday, of course!"