How to Know if you are a SHOPAHOLIC

Spending over budget. If you spend over your budget and are in debt, you are a compulsive shopper. If you find that you cannot pay your bills on time and are avoiding calls from creditors due to your overspending, then you have a shopping addiction.It becomes pattern behavior. A shopping addiction isn't a once or twice a year occurence. It's something you do every day or a few times a week.

Compulsive buying. If you buy more than one item, shoes for example. If you intend to buy one pair of sandals but leave the store with 5 or more. Secret credit card debt is a telltale sign as well as hiding the purchases. Shopoholics will hide their purchases out of shame or because they don't want to argue with their spouses. Some may have secret credit card accounts and mountains of debt that may come out later on when they finally reveal their secret addiction. Physical or emotional reactions are another sign. Physical signs include increased heart rate, sweating and headaches from anxiety. Emotional effects can be elation, then guilt or depression.

Here are some extra tips for dealing with a shopping addiction:

• For help with a shopping addiction contact Debtors Anonymous
• Curb you shopping addiction by placing boundaries such as creating a budget and sticking to it
• Replace shopping trips with other activities
• Just like any other addiction, resist temptations such as t.v. shopping channels, ebay and malls
• Shopping addictions can destroy marriages and friendships
• Identify the warning signs early