Shopaholic – Me?

I don’t know about you, but when I think of the term Shopaholic I think of someone who is always going to fun little boutiques and spas.  You know, REALLY spending a lot of money on themselves.  They are dressed in designer duds and have a great handbag to match every outfit.

But me a shopaholic?  I am an average woman who likes to look nice – but by no means extravagant (think Target and Old Navy!)  I don’t go all out buying gifts for special occasions, I usually have a $30 – 40 limit for family gifts (including my children).  So, how did I get into the financial mess I am in if I am not the typical shopaholic? I have to admit, I have a huge consumer debt problem!

I need to get out of debt and learn to live within my means.  I have to figure out where I went wrong and how to change it.  I feel like I am facing the national debt all by myself.   I caused this and I need to take care of it. But where to start?

I could not figure it out, I don’t buy fancy home furnishings or decor, and I rarely buy new clothes and then only if it is on clearance.  In fact, I considered myself a great bargain shopper!  All my furniture and appliances are bought from clearance centers or scratch and dent.  I LOVE Macy’s clearance racks and I can make a pair of shoes last years!  So what makes me a shopaholic?

As much as I hated it, I had to take a long hard look at myself.  And yes, it was PAINFUL!  I am in credit card debt with almost nothing to show for it and I needed to figure out why.  Where has all this money gone? Why am I still paying for things I can’t see?!?

This blog is my way of being accountable for my own finances.  Not only do I need to pay off my debt, I need to figure out how I got there so it doesn’t happen again!  So join me on my way to becoming a Shopaholic No More and getting rid of credit card debt!