Whether we admit it or not, we are all "shoppers" in any way or form. It would just probably depend on how grave the habit is and how capable you are to support the shopping addiction.
But when do you consider shopping from being practical to an excessive behavior already? There is probably a thin line between the two if you exclude the severe cases or those individuals with Compulsive Buying Disorder - The Shopaholics as they say. I, for a fact, get a high by the mere scent of the mall (believe it not they have a distinctive smell) and the luminous lights of the shops that attracts me to go inside to check the offering. However, over the years of over spending and failure to prioritize finances, I've learned a trick or two on how to manage my spending.
Please read along...
Bringing along a close friend to a shopping expedition can be of great help. However, just make sure that the person you decide to tag along is better handling his finances instead of the other way around. Tagging along a friend when you intend to shop not only promotes fun to a fun activity on its own; but also serves as a "hand slapper" when you incessantly swipe the greatest plastic ever created - credit cards. The same friend would also have the audacity to tell you that what you are about to purchase is ghastly and undeniably makes you ugly! On extreme cases, bringing your mom might be the best solution for you might end up going home paper-bag -less and sniffing.
Another good tip to consider is to set aside money after you have safe kept the payment for bills and bank money for savings. What you need to avoid is spending the money intended for more important matters. And when I say more important matters, I wasn't referring to the latest spring release.
Shopping can be a lot of fun when done moderately and with wise budgeting. Just like any other things, do not be abusive or otherwise it can be damaging.
Happy wise shopping to everyone.
