Are You a Shopaholic?

A shopaholic is a person that cannot control their spending habits. These individuals make impulse purchases without considering whether or not the purchase is valid and without considering the consequences of overspending. Shopaholism is considered a disorder and is sometimes treated with anti-depressant drugs.

Does this sound like you? Here are a few signs.

If you need or want something badly, but can't save the money for the purchase, you might be a shopaholic. Shopaholics often drain their bank and savings accounts to make purchases that make them feel better, feeding their urge, but it generally hurts them later.

Do you run up your credit cards to the limit? This is another sign of being a shopaholic. No thought is given to reaching your maximum limit on a credit card, but the interest charges you accrue will most likely hurt you in the long run.

Holidays and birthdays are the worst times for shopaholics. Do you find yourself buying expensive gifts for loved ones, coworkers, or friends that you can't afford? If so, you might be a shopaholic.

If you visit stores frequently and make extra purchases that you didn't plan on, only later to return them to the store because you realized they were impulse expenses, you might be a shopaholic.

Do you buy things you know you will never use, just to buy them? Watching home shopping television shows and browsing internet stores are some of the things shopaholics do frequently, and make purchases on most anything they see, regardless of whether or not they will actually use the item.

Do you find yourself buying things and then bringing them home to hide them? Many shopaholics hide their purchases on the hope that the items won't be found, and if they are, find themselves justifying the purchases to family and friends.

Do you buy things to make yourself feel better or try to calm down or cheer up your mood? If so, you might be a shopaholic.