Bipolar Disorder Support Group

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Buying Spree

1PhoenixRising1
1PhoenixRising1
I need to stop spending money but I keep justifying my reasons behind everything. In the last three days I've bought shoes, books, things to paint, I've decided to start cross stitching, scrap booking, making candy bar wrappers, starting back to school, bought some organza I was going to make gift bags out of, but guess what I don't have a sewing machine so I need to buy one...and I don't really know how to sew that well so i need to buy books on sewing, so I've bought all these supplies to do this stuff, but I haven't done anything with any of it yet, I'm just buying all the supplies I need...and the school thing I feel is a good thing, I was wanting to do that before I started feeling good again...so ...ok...now what...I'm aware of what I'm doing now but I just can't stop...should i tell my husband to take my cards til this is over...i hate limiting myself, what if the alternative to doing this is getting into a rage...i'd rather buy than rage... ????????????
veryblue
veryblue
leave your cards at home and avoid the shops if you can
just take grocery money with you

if we lived closer id let you borrow my machine!

i have the same problem sometimes especially when the sales come i just can't resist a bargain!
surferchica
surferchica
Yes, do give your husband all your cards. Do it now. Its the safest thing to do to protect yourself, finances and relationship with your husband.

I've been in the same place. Have you saved receipts so that you can take back what you can? I know you can't take back cut fabric. :-( but try to cut your losses.
chilvr
chilvr
unless you are filthy rich, get rid of those cards asap! do not keep even 1, and only a small amount of cash...
deleted_user
deleted_user
It's so hard to give up that control, but it may be necessary in your situation. I am right there with you.
TML67
TML67
The last time I went on a,"buying spree" I was on a business trip in Seattle and I bought a house. Wow that one went over like lead balloons.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I had to go take my name off the bank account last week. Because I knew I couldn't be trusted once we got our tax money back....
deleted_user
deleted_user
I actually froze my credit cards in ice so that by the time it defrausted i made sence of what I was doing. Leave the cards to the hubby, sounds like you hitting a bit of hypomania and spending money and starting projects that really aren't going to happen , at least not all at once like you are doing. You have some nice ideas but conquer one task at a time....
bookmaven
bookmaven
Start going through the receipts and take back *everything* you've purchased, except for the non-returnable items. Don't be embarassed a lot of us have been where you are and need to return things we cought on a whim. Then give your cards to your husband to safeguard yourself and your finances. See your doctor and once you've come down evaluate what are reasonable hobbies. Start *one* and see how it goes. Buying out the shops seems like a good idea until the bills come it and then it's too late. Take the stuff back and try to control your spending by only purchasing the absolute essentials.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am not allowed to have my credit card - best friend keeps it for me because yes I tend to loose it and also cuz I am horrible if I am in the mood to spend
bookmaven
bookmaven
@TML67 - how the heck did you wind up with a house?!? Now, that's what I call a spree!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am a charge card addict in major withdrawal.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm with veryblue. I give my credit cards (and my debit card) to my husband when I get a bit manic. Is there anything you can return?
CarlaBent
CarlaBent
Who says that the alternative is to fly into a rage? Maybe you could spend your time doing the cross stitching or making use out of some of the stuff that you've bought. Something that does NOT require you buying more stuff!!!
Are you guys wealthy enough so that all your splurging doesn't matter? That would be nice!!!! But if you really can't afford to keep spending money like this, give the cards to your husband and tell him you need help. If you do know what you're doing right now, then it should be somewhat easier for you to stop. You say that you were thinking of school even before you started feeling good. Maybe that would be a good way to spend your time.
I think you should call your Pdoc and tell him that your spending is out of control at the moment. See if he tweaks your meds. It would be nice if you could just calm down without raging or crashing!!!!
Take good care!!! I hope you can do what you know is right!! (((((Hugs)))))
blah84
blah84
i am afraid of the same thing. i havent even filed because i know i want do what i need to do with the money. and if its not money then its sex:( i want to just stop the spiral. good luck.
deleted_user
deleted_user
In my house I do all finacial things I know I would appreate knowing you are having this problem hugs minnie