Stress Center Peer Support

I have a serious spending problem. I live from check to check because of my own fault. I don't make graet money, but I make enough to pay my bills, provide for my family, and maybe splurge once a month. Well I can never seem to pay my bills when there due, because I always over spend. So like when my rent is due, I'll spend half of it or all of it, and have to pay it 2-3 weeks late. I do this with just about all of my bills!! I feel like I'm in a terrible cycle! I say I'm going to pay something on time, and I end up over spending on something and say "O I'll just pay it next weekend." I had a huge tax return, and even though I paid bills with it first, I only stayed caught up for maybe one month, then it was gone in 2 monthes, and I was back in the hole again. Then I was blessed with a big refund check from my school that I had no idea about, got caught up on my bills, then pretty much blew the rest on clothes, shoes, whatever I could think off. I can't seem tosave for a rainy day. It's buy it now, or I'm going to miss out. I need financial guidance, it stresses me out to no end when I don't have any money! Or I live from check to check! The lord isn't going to keep just blessing me with unknown money all the time, especially if I can't learn to save some of it!!! Does anyone else have an OCD like this?

Hey Brandi -

I know this one pretty well from experience .

Overspending is definitely a symptom of emotional distress. Same as overeating, oversleeping, overthinking, etc....you get the idea, anything that is excessive can be a symptom of an emotional problem. You and millions of others have this problem. It feels good to buy something for yourself or others, so you do it. Without regard to how you will pay for the other stuff later. It is a problem and a serious one. But it can be challenged.

I recommend doing a couple of things. They might be drastic for you now but you will get the hang of it. Take your time if you have to.

1. Hide all credit cards and remove them from your wallet. Forget about the credit score for now. Many people worry more about there credit score than there bank balance.
2. Budget each paycheck before you get paid. Start with housing, food, utilities first. Then spend the rest on paper.
3. Use cash for groceries, eating out, gas, anything that does not have a fixed cost (like a monthly bill). You will spend less this way. Trust me on this one!
4. Get the book by Dave Ramsey called "The Total Money Makeover". It is in every bookstore out there. Follow his plan for making a budget and getting out of debt.

I am working the plan myself. It sounds like you don't have an income problem but a spending problem. That can be fixed by changing your behavior.
Also, deal with your emotional stress. Find some good books or a therapist. There is plenty of help out there. You are not alone!

We're all here for each other. I hope this helps you make some good choices.

Have a great day!!

Reply

Thank you for your response, I really will try to work on a plan to save my bank account! I'm gonna need lots of prayer!