How to Stop Overspending - 5 Tips for Compulsive Buying Disorder

[@DrBradKlontz]

Does spending money impact your mood? Let me know what you think!

[@SuperBullyone]

Shopping is like hunting. There is a big adrenalin rush, the searching for the item - the hunt - and then the buy - the kill. The great part is nothing has to die. I'm a vegetarian.

[@MyLife-og2kr]

Number 3 will definitely help out a lot, for me.

[@saralyons7894]

I’ve noticed a lot of my female friends hate their jobs so they “bribe” themselves to turn up by buying themselves things. I’ve only noticed it in my female friends. I have so many stories about women hiding how much they spend from their significant others, everything from cutting the last digit off the price of an item (so if a jacket was 500, you tell your husband it was 50), to opening accounts in fake names.

[@joymae]

Whenever I feel the need to overspend or do other toxic behavior, I find exercising helps me get my mind off what is really bothering me (emotions, etc)

[@DrBradKlontz]

Exercise is a great hack/workaround. Does it help?

[@osrsnoob819]

Im sorry when depressed or manic or have alot of self hatred you spend to fee happy that 10 minutes of oooh i cant wait to have this this comment i see all the time exercise i think you need to understand everyones different but in a depressed mood i dont want to do anything physical i feel lazy and sad and dont have energy to get up or dont have the drive to do anything and then you see your issue and u come to watch a video and the first comment you see is exercise like you already hate your self enough because u feel like you cant do the simplest thing to fix your issue and your war with your brain …. This is not a solution for the situation its just showing the people who are deeply depressed there lazy peices of shit because they cant force them selves to go to the gym or go on a run to fix a major issue we have going on i been in therapy for 2 months now and the only thing that has helped my spending is having somone else control my cards and limiting my self with cash but i feel soo empty because i feel im not able to treat my self to a good or bigger meal even tho i make 4k a month but if i had my money i can go through 2k in 2 days easily

[@davestopa999]

You're all right, it is a great way to overcome spending money on other things you don't need, that is until you find yourself building a home gym during the pandemic, now every time I'm working out I feel like buying more plates or machines that I probably don't need :(

[@lizfrancis8925]

@@osrsnoob819 Wait a minute here...to someone who does not have a shopping addiction this behavior looks completely insane ( ...wonder why!!...). We are just making observations about what might help...like exercise. We stand on the sidelines and watch family of a compulsive spender implode and listen to the endless excuses. What a way to live. It's a choice...and so is seeking help.

[@lifetakesByC]

I suffer from depression and ive become a compulsive stress spender. I have two businesses and when I over spend, I do it with the intension of buying more things to fuel my businesses. So I know I have a problem, but I spend money on things I feel I need. As a result, I almost never feel bad about it.. Nor do I feel better.. My debt is getting out of control. Last year I was debt free! I guess the first step really is admitting theres a problem

[@DrBradKlontz]

Sorry to hear of your struggles. How have things been going?

[@jamlaw]

The "wait to buy" hack, so far, has been the most helpful for me. I wont pick things up and walk aroubd with them, either. When I want to grab an item, I tell myself to wait and then if I'm still thinking of it the next day (or at the end of the shopping trip) I can reevaluate and consider biying it. Every single time, more than half of what I desperately wanted I've forgotten about by the next day, even sometimes within 5 minutes! I also have a hack where I ask myself "if this were $5, would you buy it?" More often than not, I wouldn't. Since $5 is a small and easy amount to spend, it helps me realize what I actually value vs. what just entices me in the moment. Great video thank you!

[@DrBradKlontz]

Love it! Great ideas 💡

[@leeboriack8054]

When I shop for non essentials like decorative items, art, extra clothes for a nonspecific reason I take a pic on my phone and look at it for two or three days. This usually cause my Jets from an unnecessary purchase. Also I quit going to resell stores because the intoxication of saving money with a bargain item is a false win

[@DrBradKlontz]

Wow GREAT strategy! Thanks for sharing it!

[@waffle2529]

thanks so much for the video. I'm only 18 but my spending habits are just awful. I'm a hugely impulsive person and my downfall is second hand online shopping - I fall into the "there's only one of them, if I don't buy it now I'll never be able to have it" trap 😬. in real life I want to start carrying more cash around so I can A) really see my money disappearing and B) there'll be less money in my bank account to spend online (of course this means I must learn to stop taking money out of my savings 😭)

[@nikitas7661]

I can't remember a time when I didn't have an order on the way. It's worse after the pandemic. I don't have debt but I could be saving sooo much more.

[@DrBradKlontz]

Have things gotten any better?

[@nikitas7661]

@@DrBradKlontz yes! Because I've started saving up for specific things like a car, my wedding, and that helps. Thank you for replying! ☺️

[@JoyLocked]

I rary get a large sum of money and when I do I spend it almost instany and get a feeling of regret for the entire day but in a week or two I get over it.

[@DrBradKlontz]

It is such an easy pattern to get in to and can be a tough one to break!

[@gemileal]

That's me, and then it's how hard to pay for bills but I don't care I still buy :(

[@MyLife-og2kr]

That's me too! I cannot look at my Wells Fargo app for this very reason. If I see money in my bank account, I am and will spend. I'm also like, "eh. Put it in my credit card, I will be able to pay it all off before my payment date." Nope! Almost never works out.

[@OMGmynameisLILI]

This, Last monday I received $10,000 ....it took me 42 hours to spend it all. I cried when I realized I sepnt it all

[@suomynona]

@@OMGmynameisLILI jesus christ wtf, i thought 10k lasting me 150 days was bad. How can you not realize spending all 10k in 42 hours.

[@RussonFilms]

I just buy vhs tapes for .25 cents to Feed my shopping addiction is weird but it cheap then going to mall lol

[@DrBradKlontz]

Not a bad hack, thanks for sharing it with us!

[@mattpaxson5282]

I got addicted to online shopping the rush of going to the mail box finding a package and opening it gives me excitement, unfortunately although these items are cheap normally less than $20, they add up quickly, any tips on overcoming the online shopping, however one thing that seems to help in that area is ordering my groceries on the Walmart pickup app it cost no extra than going grocery shopping for Essentials and it helps me save money due to not buying more than I need by going into the store, I’m working on changing my spending into paying off my debt, rewarding myself in ways that don’t involve spending a large amount of money like preparing a special meal for myself or having some friends over for a movie night or baking myself some cookies.

[@thevegantitian]

Same here 😞

[@DrBradKlontz]

How’s it been going? Any success in making a change?

[@DrBradKlontz]

How about you - have you had any success in making a shift?

[@TheAboriginal1]

take the credit card off your online accounts and just link your debit card instead. pretend you do not have a credit card. It's the only way to avoid overusing it

[@lunawolfheart336]

I haven't gotten into too much financial trouble yet but ik the last two months I noticed myself buying alot of shit I don't really need so I want to stop it before it becomes a problem

[@DrBradKlontz]

Good luck my friend!

[@Olly-1995]

This video is so helpful! I have a shopping addiction with constantly buying clothes for many many years, having credit card debts, using pay now pay later on items and using my bank overdraft, I am from the UK 🇬🇧, this video is fantastic! and I feel like these are great questions to ask myself that I have learnt in video so thank you that, I will put these questions into practice and learn when I next online or in store shop for clothes

[@DrBradKlontz]

So glad you liked the video!!!

[@sunset33533]

The book "30 Days to Stop Being a Shopaholic" by Harper Daniels is good. It uses a mindfulness and meditation approach to get to the root. It's fun too. It's easy to overspend without the right perspective of self.

[@DrBradKlontz]

Nice! Thanks for the book recommendation.

[@esmeraldaherrera3164]

thanks a lot Dr Brad.....I can apply it to spending and compulsive eating

[@DrBradKlontz]

Excellent!

[@Kendotheifzz]

This is a great video , been having spending problems and have been addicted... I’ve been feeling alot of stress and getting anxious & anxiety that’s why i been spending alot to fill in the gaps.. I definitely need some help..

[@DrBradKlontz]

I am glad this video found you!

[@maezee987]

I was in a financial wreck and have started getting better. I am able to not only pay off my debts but also starting to invest into my retirement. Now that I have that extra money, after paying myself first, paying all of commitments, I started to develop the urge to spend money left in the account. I am living frugally and I know by spending certain things won't hurt me financially now. But I realized the urge of MUST SPEND THAT MONEY LEFT -- if I don't stop now, like you said, it can become an obsession and addiction. Which later will land me into financial crisis back. I would never want that. I'm gonna give it a try to practice again delayed gratifications despite knowing that I can afford it. That might helps. Thanks for the tips!

[@DrBradKlontz]

Mae I have a question: is the money left in the account meant to be spent? If not you should put it in a separate account and name that account after whatever goal you have for it. For example: 2022 Hawaii Vacation fund. If you name it something important to you it will be easier to not steal from it!

[@maezee987]

@@DrBradKlontz Yes, they are for spending. I have made separate goals and accounts for the mandatory savings / future spending. I have recently paid off another debt, so there's this "excess money" because this money should've gone to the debt but no longer needed for it. So.. haha.. I felt a bit off-guard and thought, should I be rewarding myself this much.. or am I getting too complacent and maybe getting myself back into financial problems.. I guess the trauma of being in that situation sometimes paralyzes us to be comfortable and have a good relationship with money.

[@MARVELusTOYZ]

Great tips, the 4 questions are a great way to make you stop and think before you spend. Thank you

[@DrBradKlontz]

Thanks so much for the watch and comment!

[@v.scarlet3044]

Thank you so much doctor People have been telling me I have a buying disorder and I think I do, this was very helpful I’ll try and see if I can go some where to treat it. Thank You again!!

[@DrBradKlontz]

+V. SCARLET thanks so much for letting me know. All the best on your journey. You are not alone!

[@AnnoyingNewslettersPage6]

I had just gotten off of work at 9:00 p.m. with some tip money in my pocket, and I had even googled the hours for the nearby Target. I was en route, when I asked myself what I even was going to buy there. Having come up with nothing, I headed towards home. I started trying to decide what I wanted to eat since I just bought a lot of fresh produce at the grocery store 2 days ago and all I've devoured so far are the grapes and the cheese cubes (while taking a hot bath and reading war and Peace, as one does). I considered making grilled cheese sandwiches but then I realized I don't have any tomato soup. There's another Target close to home and I checked its hours, too, partially because the nearby grocery store is already closed, and partially because I still wanted to go shopping. I have tomorrow off, so if I want to go shopping I can make the trip out then, when I have more than 40 minutes to do so. So in one last compromise with myself I am stopping at the Dollar general closest to my house to pick up some tomato soup and some drink packets. Let's see if I can hold myself to that

[@DrBradKlontz]

How’d you do?

[@readingwithvee]

My spending is out of control my mind is convinced I need what I’m buying that I can’t live without it and I keep spending online more and more I feel so stuck

[@DrBradKlontz]

Might be worth it to speak with a therapist 👊💥

[@MiamiPush2theLimit]

You need to hide your money from yourself. Put it in a separate bank account you don’t touch.

[@TheAdrift]

I learned this stuff at a financial workshop I went to as part of a mentoring program I was in this year. These solutions worked great for me, but my question to you is: how can I help someone else? My mom has a shopping problem, and no matter how I try to help her logic her way out of it, she still can’t stop buying. It’s really sad to listen to her talk about all the things she wants to save up to do while she’s about to default on her credit cards and my dad is getting so angry about her writing checks that I can’t help thinking they might divorce. I think (given how many times my dad and I have each talked to her about this) that she is aware of the problem, but that awareness hasn’t circled back around to change the behavior yet. I’m 28 and their only child, so this is definitely no longer my business, but she’s still my mom-I love her, and worry about her, and want her to be happier in her life, and if there’s a way for this to change without her hitting rock bottom, I’d love to see that happen. What should I do? Is there anything I CAN do?

[@DrBradKlontz]

Thanks so much for your question. This is such an important one. This is my recommendation: consider meeting with a mental health professional, one who specializes in "interventions" for people with addictions. Essentially, this person can guide you and your father through a process where you can both let her know the depth of your concerns and encourage her to get help.

[@stallio5612]

Bach flower therapy.....

[@MChavez90]

THANK YOU

[@DrBradKlontz]

You're welcome!

[@pillgrimm]

I've lost two friends to covid and I'm very lonely and cannot touch anyone. My emotional needs are through the roof and thus I've bankrupted myself.

[@DrBradKlontz]

So sorry to hear that Phil ❤️🙏❤️

[@AnnoyingNewslettersPage6]

To go with the buy it tomorrow and other tips for delaying a purchase, I do a lot of window shopping with the camera and screenshots on my phone.

[@DrBradKlontz]

Does it help?

[@idasommestolt9934]

retail therapy is too normal these days it`s kinda scary

[@DrBradKlontz]

So true Ida! 😅😅😅

[@reinzsinjoy]

#5 - 5 questions reflect me the most mentally and emotionally when it comes to money. So I'll put it in mind and will get help with consultation for more guidance financially

[@jeffhietala1609]

My girlfriend seems like a compulsive spender to. When me and her go on our dates she always wants to stop at one of the craft stores first (Joann,Hobby Lobby etc) and buy stuff. She has also asked me to pay for the stuff that she wants at those places. I feel that just going to those places most of the time is not a real date. To me a real date is things like going out to a nice restaurant,going to a concert,a walk or just spending time at either of our homes.

[@money4bliss]

These steps are great especially not taking credit cards with you. To be honest I have never thought of that. I think that we are so attached to our credit cards that we do not think of being without them. As a matter of fact when you made that statement it cause me a bit of anxiety thinking of not having my credit card with me. It almost feel like my credit card is a security blanket....oh my goodness...I can't believe I just said that. Thanks for helping me have that insight!!!!

[@DrBradKlontz]

It is SO true! Credit cards are so easy to use. To be honest, sometimes at the grocery store I won’t even pay attention to how much I spend when I use my credit card. It is so easy to be unconscious! It is VERY different when I pay with cash. It is also such a different emotional experience. Definitely worth experimenting with!

[@Janaysdomain]

I’ve finally been able to pin point this problem if it wasn’t for my new bank w a budget analysis I wouldn’t actually see what percentage is being spent on shopping. I only have 2 credit cards that are both secured because I’m debt free and finally have a great credit score from prioritizing then buying stuff later. Also I spend less going to get up and shop than online. Online is what made me a compulsive shopper specifically Amazon prime that I’m getting rid of currently.

[@plantedwithashley3367]

What do you recommend to help when you’re out and about and the spending urge is so hard to control?

[@DrBradKlontz]

Great question! So important to know your triggers and plan for them. Some possible ideas: a) Leave credit cards at home, b) carry only cash to make impulse purchases more conscious, or c) perhaps have a friend you know to call before making purchase.

[@Mrs.J.D.B]

@@DrBradKlontz what about the strong urge to shop on Amazon. It's my greatest spending weakness. I'll even put items in my Amazon cart and leave them there for a weak, trying to think on it for a while and trying to stop myself from buying but I almost always go back and buy at least some of the items and I really don't NEED anything, I have everything I need already.

[@plushbatfan]

Unfortunately, we have been overpaying on gas for the past five months because: many gas pumps were never sanitized at all and as well as gas customers don’t wear masks and don’t social distance (mainly at gas prices with lower price). Whenever we visit a gas station with most expensive price, the place is less busy with nobody around usually. Six evenings ago, we have paid a record breaking gas bill of $57.20 @ $2.999/gallon!

[@DrBradKlontz]

So you do a lot of traveling?

[@SpartanG229]

I’m deep into this for a long time, I’ve never stolen from family or anything. But my life is just not right. And I can’t stop spending money on things. I have anxiety and depression and borderline personality disorder, it’s legit terrible I’m in debt (not too much) but still. I’m gonna need help and I’m desperate for help.

[@mortis3732]

Same man it sucks. I have very serious spending issues when it comes to free to play games and others.

[@DrBradKlontz]

Sorry to hear that. A good therapist can be very helpful. Wishing you the best.

[@DrBradKlontz]

Sorry to hear that. Have you ever met with a therapist?

[@AnnoyingNewslettersPage6]

I was so optimistic... And naive. What was supposed to be tomato soup and drink mixes turned into $50 which included those but I got six cans of tomato soup three of Campbell's three of Progresso, like 10 different flavors of drink mix which is fine because that's 60 packets which will tide me over for a while and only has something like 5 calories each, and isn't nearly as bad for me as soda, which I'm trying to kick that habit, too And I should have just headed for the register right after that. But while in that aisle I grab some lemon juice because I remembered I needed it for some recipe. Instead of making a left towards the register, I turned right, heading down the seasonal aisle. And then I went down the clearance aisle and I found a nice soft pillow, some poster board frames that I'm going to use for a painting project, and I saw wild bird seed. I left the bird seed, that I want to use to make suet with my leftover cooking grease. Then I headed to the next aisle for kitchen supplies to go with that. Instead of using silicone molds, I decided I might as well use a muffin pan. So I picked up a muffin pan because I can use it for that and for cooking. But there were no muffin papers, but I can pick those up later as well as the seed itself.

[@DrBradKlontz]

Oh my. Have you had any success with reining it in?

[@daniellechaplin6498]

I can’t stop. I collect disney trading pins. $10 here $20 there, OOO a LE 300 for $35 I HAVE to get that! I just spent over $120 on pins. It doesn’t make me happy, having my college saving will make me happy. But I’m slowly dwindling it away.

[@DrBradKlontz]

Oh no! Try to find a Debtors Anonymous or Overspenders Anonynois group you can join

[@suomynona]

lol the F

[@lioness2000]

1000th like!

[@DrBradKlontz]

❤️🙏❤️

[@tanabrooke8795]

I tend to shop bc I’m bored. But I’ve realized once I get something I “need” in my head it doesn’t leave. For the past two weeks the thought that I need a 5th hairbrush has been on my mind all day everyday. Obviously I logically know I do not need a 5th hairbrush but it will not leave my mind. It’s been weeks. It’s so hard I don’t know why this happens

[@Star-dj1kw]

✅ good video

[@DrBradKlontz]

Thanks ✌

[@lawrencevincent1]

Depends on what world of sphere of spending you enter. The hardest one to let go of is the collectors syndrome. Collectors = hoarding and extremely hard to stop.

[@1StinkyFinger]

Online shop - fill your basket - then delete - repeat as necessary - you’re welcome!

[@rudymurillo1693]

The problem with buy it tomorrow is I wait till tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow for the things I need and buy today minor things I don’t need and boom I spend $4k in a month on useless $40 here and there. And the things I needed that cost $1,000.00 go Un-purchased and spiral my useless spending because I don’t have the money to buy the things I need anymore and boom I spend another $4k the next month on things I don’t need again... and again I don’t buy the I do need because boom I spend way to much on useless things

[@DrBradKlontz]

Sorry to hear of your struggles Rudy. Have things gotten any better?

[@ArunasriBhavaraju]

Hi my daughter has serve obsession of compulsive shopping .

[@irmachihani4296]

I Love to thrift shop for clothes. I figure I will never spend 50 dollars on a luxury item when I can buy 10-15 items of good quality at a thrift store. I constantly give clothes away when I bring more home. My fear is to become a hoarder. I give away a lot, but in the back of my mind, im giving money away. Hard earned money. I feel like I can save money by buying used for me and my two girls. But I actually end up spending a lot more. So, I will begin to implement the leaving the cards at home. I know half if not all items I buy I dont need. Just the feeling of growing up not being able to buy anything we actually wanted, always hand me downs and always garage sales. So now Im doing the same. I just want to tell my self, stop, you dont need that beautiful dress. I pray this can be controlled.

[@kateliven2084]

I buy stuff online or offline that I don't even need,I buy 2 or 3 or 5 same kind of product. I instantly feel guilt but I can't help it.

[@DrBradKlontz]

Have you thought about talking to a therapist?

[@kateliven2084]

@@DrBradKlontz yes I did. I already had 3 sessions and we will continue the work .I hope for the heeling )))

[@declanoshaughnessy7733]

Hi Doctor Brad,hi this is Declan strange as it sounds I don't back horses or anything like that but I am always on eBay or Amazon as a person and I spend a lot on CDs and DVDs I am now 48 and at 21 I was diagnosed with epilepsy and went through brain surgery and a divorce have been honest but money spending is crazy for me I am crazy at spending money it is an addiction for me I am not sure what life lies in store for me my health is good but my wealth I am wreaking havoc at any ideas best wishes from Ireland 👍👍🙏👍

[@giornogiovanna5049]

I had a bad addiction on spending game thanls

[@DrBradKlontz]

Has it gotten better?

[@KatherineSong-e5o]

I stopped myself from buying a Halloween costume. I decided I wanted to be Wednesday Addams for our Halloween costume party at work. The costume would require that I buy a dress, makeup and a wig. I felt bad because I didn’t budget for it, so I canceled the order from Amazon and I decided I would see if I could thrift it. If not I’ll just go with my second choice which is really easy being A hippie 🥰

[@seaweedeable]

Ugh. My problem is boredom.

[@helpghh]

I spent 300 on a game this month its does not even make me feel better.

[@DrBradKlontz]

Ugh sorry to hear that

[@LoriGirlTexas]

For decades I've had a spending problem. I try all the time to stop. Why?

[@DrBradKlontz]

What do you think?

[@bentleytran1442]

In one year I bought 4 new smart phones. Gave one a way still 3.i did ask my self do I need it? The heart says no but the brain says yes sometimes the heart wins sometimes the brain wins. And the credit card lost. And I'm broke!!

[@DrBradKlontz]

It’s good you’re identifying the problem. If you’re ready to tackle it look into Debters Anonymous as one possibility. Sending you ❤️

[@jimbrow83]

I can't stop buying and returning cycle

[@DrBradKlontz]

That’s a brutal cycle. Consider finding a psychologist to meet with regularly for a while. They can help you with the compulsive behaviors. Give you lots of tools. Hang in there you are not alone.

[@jimbrow83]

Dr. Brad Klontz thanks man yes I have those issues

[@DrBradKlontz]

You might also find this book by Dr. April Benson helpful: “To Buy or Not to Buy: Why We Overshop and How to Stop” (available on Amazon).

[@DeborahReeder-tn4je]

I will try the cash tip and leave the credit card at home.

[@DrBradKlontz]

Let me know how it goes for you okay?

[@megankelly8222]

Probably an emotional need I'm trying to stop it

[@DrBradKlontz]

Make sure to find a good way to meet that need!

[@LIFEONWHEELS10]

Subbed

[@DrBradKlontz]

Thanks!

[@LIFEONWHEELS10]

@@DrBradKlontz check out my KZbin channel

[@Benjamin-tw1gw]

Mr clean?

[@DrBradKlontz]

Dr. Clean

[@mehDOGIESRATS2222]

I'm addicted to buying booze , I guess being an alcoholic and all doesn't help lol . Worst thing anyone could be addicted to next to drugs . It's disgusting the amount of money I have wasted on booze over the years . Life would cheap if I was just happy with water . I guess the best thing is to do is not get in the car in the first place . Easier said than done , it's like a rush for me . Then ya wake up the next day think , well that just went down the drain lol . Addicted to ordering food online also and sometimes clothes , it's like I want I want and I obsess about stuff I see . It's a new age disease , we never had the internet when I was growing up . Like now I want to upgrade to a beast of a computer , money money money . Even know this one is fine , but I guess I do need to . This ones around 10 years old now . Be nice if money was no object , lucky for some out there . But I think you wouldn't appreciate things as much if you were that rich . In some ways being poor can be a blessing . It's definitely some kinda of mental disorder

[@elijahn.4724]

i compulsively buy cigarettes

[@DrBradKlontz]

Double ouch 😓

[@angelikabronner1220]

What if shopping does not hurt you financially because you have lots of money

[@mehDOGIESRATS2222]

Online shopping is a curse in itself lol , worst invention ever

[@DrBradKlontz]

Truth