[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.

[Zardoz]

More good advice!

[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.

[Zardoz]

[Elizadolots]

Re-opening accounts can't be done on an "impulse".

There is only one reason to have a PayPal account and that's to buy stuff online, so closing that is a no brainer.

If it makes sense for their to be a credit card then put it in the custody of the other adult in the family. If you find yourself copying the number onto a piece of paper so you can use it to make online purchases, then you know you have a problem. At that point, you'd be sort of like the person who hides the alcohol so she'll always be able to sneak a drink. Counselling might be in order.

[jla1987]

Originally Posted by Elizadolots

Re-opening accounts can't be done on an "impulse".

There is only one reason to have a PayPal account and that's to buy stuff online, so closing that is a no brainer.

If it makes sense for their to be a credit card then put it in the custody of the other adult in the family. If you find yourself copying the number onto a piece of paper so you can use it to make online purchases, then you know you have a problem. At that point, you'd be sort of like the person who hides the alcohol so she'll always be able to sneak a drink. Counselling might be in order.

Believe me, it's not that bad. Not even close.

[JSnyder4]

Originally Posted by Elizadolots

There is only one reason to have a PayPal account and that's to buy stuff online, so closing that is a no brainer.

To borrow a line from Star Trek 09 "Well, not only..."
They're handy-dandy for when you sell on ebay too.

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by Elizadolots

Re-opening accounts can't be done on an "impulse".

There is only one reason to have a PayPal account and that's to buy stuff online, so closing that is a no brainer.

If it makes sense for their to be a credit card then put it in the custody of the other adult in the family. If you find yourself copying the number onto a piece of paper so you can use it to make online purchases, then you know you have a problem. At that point, you'd be sort of like the person who hides the alcohol so she'll always be able to sneak a drink. Counselling might be in order.

Eliza speaks the truth..all hail Eliza!~

[kevin]

Originally Posted by Commodore

I'd say adopt the Cheap Bastard Philosophy and start calling your money "My Precious."

I tried that, I lasted two months then used the money I'd saved on a blow-out!!

Originally Posted by jla1987

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.

Sounds like you maybe see stuff and just have to have it then!!!! Trust me, I know this feeling and it took a while to get past.

First, while removing the ability to spend online is obviously foolproof I tend to think it's not always the best long-term solution. You'll always need to make required purchases so what you have to do is learn to control that 'grab' instinct.

What you need to do is look inwards and think about why you click 'buy' on things you don't need. Is it because it's cheap? Because you want it? Need it? Or is it the equivalent of a new toy you'll play with for 5 mins then put on a shelf?

Sometimes, what I do (because play.com is my self-confessed downfall!!) is put what I'm interested in into my basket as I browse. Then, before I go direct to paying, I take a close look at the contents and filter them.

Sometimes I reduce quite a lot what I click on.

Also, even if you do buy things, have you thought of selling them on (eBay etc) if u find you don't need them, or return them and get a refund if you can? You don't have to hold on to them and you can make a bit of money back as well maybe.

Also, setting a specific budget is sensible - but can be equally hard to stick to at times, but you can give it a go.

[Zardoz]

Pockets full of super glue!