[jla1987]

I tend buy things off the net on a whim. I've blocked sites on my computer and such, but eventually I circumvent my methods... I'm not broke or anything, just trying to curtail it now rather than later. Any suggestions?

[jerhanner]

Ask yourself why you feel the need to buy things. Are you lonely? Bored?

[MrQ1701]

Originally Posted by jerhanner

Ask yourself why you feel the need to buy things. Are you lonely? Bored?

This is the best advice, in my opinion, so far. Cutting credit cards or closing pay pal accounts are likely to fail as solutions. They can always be re-opened (plus they may come handy when you actually NEED them).

JLA- You need to address the cause of your spending urges. You have already stated that you find ways around your current methods. Do you cruise the internet and find things to buy, things you never considered purchasing before you saw them online? Or do you have a long list of things you wish you had and then you go out and buy them online? I think those are two different problems. I find myself having a mental list of items and then I go out and buy them when I have extra money. That is why I have a hard time saving money. I already know I want to replace my lost Benchmade knife ($190). I want to get a PS3. I want a new home theater audio system to replace my 14 year old Dolby Pro-Logic Aiwa system. I could go on and on regarding all the Trek related things I want (a "real" Bat'leth for one!). I have gotten much better in recent times because I realize I don't NEED these things. I have managed to pay down debt and to save a little. I still WANT these things and will eventually buy them, but for now I can wait.

Perhaps staying off the computer and doing other things may help lower your urge to spend? I know that is just another avoidance tactic and may have limited or short lived results, but it is worth a shot. You may even see a counselor or psychologist to help you come up with ways to strengthen your will power and to find the cause of your urges.

[jla1987]

Originally Posted by MrQ1701

This is the best advice, in my opinion, so far. Cutting credit cards or closing pay pal accounts are likely to fail as solutions. They can always be re-opened (plus they may come handy when you actually NEED them).

JLA- You need to address the cause of your spending urges. You have already stated that you find ways around your current methods. Do you cruise the internet and find things to buy, things you never considered purchasing before you saw them online? Or do you have a long list of things you wish you had and then you go out and buy them online? I think those are two different problems. I find myself having a mental list of items and then I go out and buy them when I have extra money. That is why I have a hard time saving money. I already know I want to replace my lost Benchmade knife ($190). I want to get a PS3. I want a new home theater audio system to replace my 14 year old Dolby Pro-Logic Aiwa system. I could go on and on regarding all the Trek related things I want (a "real" Bat'leth for one!). I have gotten much better in recent times because I realize I don't NEED these things. I have managed to pay down debt and to save a little. I still WANT thesed things and will eventually buy them, but for now I can wait.

Perhaps staying off the computer and doing other things may help lower your urge to spend? I know that is just another avoidance tactic and may have limited or short lived results, but it is worth a shot. You may even see a counselor or phscologist to help you come up with ways to strengthen your will power and to find the cause of your urges.

I've found that staying off the computer or at least the Web is quite helpful. Generally, the items I buy aren't something I'm looking for (sometimes it is though) and I think I better just go ahead and get it. Perhaps it's a kind of OCD. There are other members of my family with impulse buying issues.

[martok2112]

Ask yourself at the time you feel the impulse if you absolutely, positively must have it immediately. If you can answer "no", then wait for a better opportunity.

[Elizadolots]

Cancel your credit card and your pay pal account...make it impossible for you to buy things off the internet.

I'm assuming an adult partner...if "pay online" is happening for thing like the electric bill and stuff, give that over to your partner.

My answer is: be unable to buy online.

It's just about surefire.

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by Elizadolots

Cancel your credit card and your pay pal account...make it impossible for you to buy things off the internet.

I'm assuming an adult partner...if "pay online" is happening for thing like the electric bill and stuff, give that over to your partner.

My answer is: be unable to buy online.

It's just about surefire.

You got it Eliza!!

[janeway72]

If you get a good answer can you let me know.

I quite often walk away from the computer, shut it down or move onto facebook or this forum and it gives me thinking time. By the time I get back to the website, the notion has worn off.

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by janeway72

If you get a good answer can you let me know.

I quite often walk away from the computer, shut it down or move onto facebook or this forum and it gives me thinking time. By the time I get back to the website, the notion has worn off.

Not bad!

[janeway72]

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Not bad!

It didn't work yesterday when I bought season 3 of DS9 on Amazon. But it was only £13