Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic.
Last week, I took a look at our credit card bill and was completely floored! I knew it would be high, but this was far beyond previous years. When I spoke to Chris about it, he apologized but tried reasoning with me about the charges he made for holiday decorations and gifts. He also attributed much of it to “amazing deals.” I think he just got a little credit card happy. The results of Chris’s extravagance means that we will have to manage our funds much more carefully going forward for the next few months and certainly next December!
During this time of year, we are bombarded with holiday shopping deals everywhere we look. There’s “Black Friday” this and “Cyber Monday” that, and it’s very easy to start ordering and swiping your credit card away. Don’t know how to keep yourself from falling down the shopping rabbit hole? Our licensed psychologists and mental health counselors in Tampa want to help you out!
Five Tips to Consider
The struggle that comes with impulse shopping can hit absolutely anyone. Click To TweetThe struggle that comes with impulse shopping can hit absolutely anyone. It’s important to keep in mind that some of us are more vulnerable to its effects than others (such as those with ADHD).
The following information is designed to help anyone manage the overwhelming impulse to overshop:
- Plan and Follow Through – In most cases, you’re going to have to shop whether you want to or not. Do yourself a favor and make a list of all the things you need to buy and do your best to stick to it.
- Budget – Budgets tend to make people feel limited, which is exactly what we need during this time of year. By budgeting, you will have greater control over your finances and a better idea of what you can and can’t do with your money.
- Use Your Tools – Are you having a tough time keeping track of your expenses, money and credit cards? There are plenty of apps out there designed to help you keep everything in check!
- Sleep on It – Are you feeling a sudden urge to click on your Amazon cart and going through with your purchase? How about giving yourself a bit of time? We recommend sleeping on it to evaluate how you feel about it the next day.
- Many Things Are Returnable – Have you ever kept an item you later didn’t want because you were too ashamed to return it? Almost every store or retailer allows free returns (check your receipt!), so if you’re having second thoughts on a purchase, take it back.
Let’s Help You Out
Sometimes it’s hard to control our urges, and it doesn’t always have to do with shopping. Click To TweetSometimes it’s hard to control our urges, and it doesn’t always have to do with shopping. If you or someone you love has had a tough time working on their impulses and need help figuring out the best way to manage them, then Rice Psychology Group can help.
We are ready to give you our undivided attention and provide feedback so that, together, we can find the best possible solution. Contact us in Tampa today for more information about our services.
