Retail Therapy: How "therapeutic" Is It?

I will be the first to admit that I use "retail therapy" as an easy fix to a lot of things. If I am having a bad day, a little shoppings picks my mood up real quick. If I am having a great day well shopping is like the icing on the cake lol. There is just something about getting that shopping bag with those super cute goodies inside that gives me such a rush!

But in reality you know you have a shopping problem when you leave your shopping bags in the car so that you dont get yelled at for shopping again lol. I am very sad to admit that I have a serious shopping problem!

Ever since I was young shopping for me has aways been a total pick me up. I remember growing up going shopping with my mom was what I always looked forward to. It was the only time we spent together since she was always working, and that made it extra special. In high school I started paying for my own clothes and makeup, which made it more special.

Now at 20 I am beginning to realize how much of a problem it really is. When I moved I only brought like 5 shirts and a pair of jeans, now my closet is full. I honestly feel like I have to go shopping, and that is one horrible feeling! I keep all my my receipts in a box and I am honestly scared to see how much I have spent since moving. The only good thing is that I learned how to use coupons lol

The worst part of the shopping is all the excuses. I make up excuses for myself! How ridiculous is that! I have to excuse my shopping to myself lol. At my age I should not have more than one credit card with a ridiculously high credit limit! Not to mention I work at Macys and get 20% employee discount! So shopping is inevitable.

With all that being said I decided I really need to start saving money. But being that the whole saving money is a totally new concept I don't even know where to start! Its ridiculous! So my first step is putting 10% of my paycheck in a savings account, something I have never done. I am also budgeting my monthly income, which is also something completely new to me! The next step is to cut back on my spending/shopping, which is really the hardest part. My new plan starts this month, so which me luck! I need it! Let me know how many of you have the same problem :)

XOXO - Abby