I had/have this exact problem...I used to "buy happiness" all the time. I charged up over $30,000 in credit card debt. I was able for awhile to keep up payments but then had to leave my full time job due to triggers/streses. I got VERY behind and consulted a lawyer friend. She suggested bankruptcy and I met with a bankruptcy lawyer. I am now in the process of bankrupcty. I know it kills your credit report/score but mine was already bad since I wasn't paying my bills.

Now my impulse shopping is limited to going to second hand/resale shops.

Take care...

I didnt rack up that much bills but maybe like $8,000 or so between 2 credit cards. I was also keeping up with the payments pretty good but then couldnt pay it anymore the payments got to high and I had no job or money to pay them. The credit card company keeps harrassing me all the time grrr. I may have to file for bankrupcy to. Doesnt it cost money to do that to though,I thought so anyway. ok thanks for your input....

Hi Kitty~~

i think a lot of us have spending splurges and sometimes they get really out-of-control. You are not alone.

First thing is to cut up your credit cards. I would call the companies to see if a reasonable payment plan can be worked out. Clearing your debt can't happen overnight but if you really commit to it, it can be done.

Yep ..... bankruptcy attorneys charge for their services. Good luck!!

Contact a debit consultation group. they can work w your creditors. get pymys & intress lowered & u pay the dcgroup 1 mthly pymt & they pay your debitors.
such groups have accountants, Attys... who work for u with your creditors. the bills & calls will stop.

Also creditors will lower intress rate & defer bk pymts. this making mthly pymt lower,intress lower & w/o harming your credit rateing.

of couse most atty won't share that info because they make alot of money when they take client thur bankruptcy.

be VERY careful with debt consolidation type companies...I have had a couple friends have very bad experiences with them to the point they were worse off in the long run. Communicating with the credit card companies first would be best and see if they can work with you.

Yeah, Been there. I got 1000 in debt, every time I pay it down I go and spend it up again. Its a bad cycle and habit.

Oscar. when I went through divorce, I used a consoildation group. 1 of my debit being little over $7.000. the group got that 1 down to $956.38
at $53.13 mo.. At that time my debit was only $180.000.. I pd bk less than 1/2.
Currently I'm pying $60.000 loan. I make double pymts. A few yrs ago, I took out this loan.the loan being a 10 yr loan.I have slightly above good credit rateing. I obtain bank loans a yr after I used debit coonsolidation group.

I use to have nack at buying lrg ticket items. I no longer have those urges. Corrections.once in blue moon, I cut loose on internet - shopping. But I buy gifts & things that I can sale.
a few yrs ago. I bought 2 new cars w/in same day. The following wk., I brought a truck.I don't drive.LOL

Sunday,7/22/12
I'm proud of myself. just arrived in from Bass Pro store. I picked out a few things that I want but I managed not to pull out credit card :) that's easier said than done, in that store.