Debt

I had a hard with spending issues after I became a SAHM too. I found that I was using the mall and shopping as a form of entertainment and whenever I would go - I would buy. I started only going to the store when we needed something and I always waited until my DH could join me so that he could stop me if necessary. I tried to find new ways to occupy my time so that I wouldn't be tempted to just go hang at the mall.

I also had a lot of personal issues dealing with not bringing in a paycheck and whatnot that I eventually came to terms with. I don't know if this is similar to your situation, but if you want to talk, feel free to contact me. I've also heard of some people freezing their credit cards in a block of ice so they can't use them, but I could never bring myself to that. lol

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You took the first step by admitting you have a problem. I would definately consult a counselor to discuss your issue. Talk to your husband about it, if he doesn't already know, so you can work out a plan to continue saving money, perhaps a separate account that only he can access for the money you are trying to save. Ask him to manage the money and only give you a certain amount. If you are getting antsy at home take up a hobby or do something constructive that takes your mind off of shopping and spending.

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S.
YOu are describing an addiction, I suggest you show this as it is written to your husband, mother, clergy someone who can ensure you receive the treatment necessary to continue on this downward spiral as with any addiction in can destroy marriages, lives, savings everything....get the help as you have already taken the most important first step, do not underestimate the power of an addiction and mistakenly think you can solve this on your own.
good luck
E.

You need counselling. Bottom line, kiddo. When you recognize there's a problem, that's at least in your favor and in the right direction. But it's time now to take the next step in fighting and beating this.

If you need clothes, try a resale shop. And ask yourself why you constantly need clothes, because that could suggest a self esteem issue or ego issue.

Guage it like so: do you go enough places to justify the expenditure? Αre your current clothes, e.g., not fitting or worn out? You need to learn to make do with what you have. Hey keep in mind the economy. And keep in mind how petty your bad habit might seem if you stop to think about all those less fortunate. Remember you don't need to do this mall stuff. You're young, yes, but you aren't a teenager anymore and your responsibility is to hubby and your baby.

There is a group called Debtors Anonymous. A 12 step program for spenders. Good luck!

open a savings account out of state online. call me / email me to own your business with no upront cause for this month of June only . also spend only your need and write all of it, then bring only the exact amount of money to spend most important cutout discount coupon on the newspaper.
God Bless..

M. P.
____@____.com

truthfully.. you need to take those cards out of your purse and cut them up. then take back things you can so the money can go back on to your card, then write up a budget and stick to it.
as for staying home from the mall... perhaps start going to the park or finding other projects to do..
also, maybe pick up a part job to help pay off the credit cards...

I'm sorry to say this, but you probably need to seek professional help.

Have you ever tried only spending the money that YOU make? Maybe that would be an idea.

S.

A really good organization that offers Debt counseling & Debt management programs is Greenpath. We were with that company to help get rid of our debt. (www.greenpath.com)
It does also sound like this is an addiction for you. Certainly if you are a member of a church I would recommend going to the pastor(s). If not, then certainly seek help from someone. Please seek help sooner rather than later...I wouldn't want you to damage your marriage because of it. Many marriages fail because of financial problems, so work to fix the problem before its too late!

Maybe your trying to fulfill some inner emotional hole with stuff. You might try reading a few self help books from the library. Schedule your reading time to work with your sons schedule. If you haven't really talked to your husband about it you should. Tell your husband not to give you any money. Have him take your name off the back card/credit cards to start. Maybe make a plan that when your kid goes to school you get a part time job. You could clean a house in the few hours your sons in class. Put the $ towards those credit cards. Think of it like community service, maybe it will help.
Good luck, money problems are one of the biggies that can break a marriage.
A. H