Impulsive Spending

January 7, 2009 at 8:52 am (Uncategorized)

Like a lot of people with ADD/ADHD, I have a problem with shopping.  I spend way too much money and I have a very difficult time saving.  I can be disciplined for quite a while, but once I diverge, it’s hard for me to stop.  Like an alcoholic doesn’t want just one drink - she wants ten – I can’t just indulge in one luxury.  I recently overspent my ”available now” budget by quite a bit and even though my short-term goal is still attainable, I’ll have less spending money later.

First, it was a phone.  I use a pre-paid cell phone because my credit score isn’t so hot and because I’m not on the phone a lot. I end up spending less per month than with a subscription.  I hadn’t purchased minutes since last year and I needed to buy more so my account wouldn’t expire.  I decided that it was time to see if there were any better plans out there. And of course better phones.  I ended up with an expensive phone and a large enough deposit to keep my account from expiring for another year.

Then there was my organizing and cleaning spree.  A spree which prompted the purchase of bins and folders and a three-shelf unit, all of which added up to more money than I should have been spending. 

Not to mention the recent purchase of some new clothes because I was bored with what I have.

And yet, I am still not satisfied.   I will never be satisfied.  That is what I have trouble remembering.  With many of my sudden, urgent purchases I am sure that if I just do this ONE thing, that will satisfy me for a while.   Once I have my apartment organized I will finally be able to get on with the business of living my life.   If I just get a couple outfits I’ll be happy with the variety in my wardrobe and not get so stressed over what to wear.  It’s obvious as I type this that these purchases are about a deeper need, but I’m still not at the point where that matters to me.  I’m not strong enough yet to do anything about it.