A fabulous gift idea to control spending!
One Christmas strategy I did last year cost me nearly nothing and was loved by the receivers. I love all the catalogs - I can't just trash them. So I "bought" things for friends by cutting the items …
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Friends' intervention was needed
Early this year, my two closest friends sat me down for an "intervention." They described and questioned me about quite a large number of "episodes" in my life: spending sprees, heavy drinking, being…
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I could not resist a bargain...
I realized how bad my problem was when I ended up ordering the same book three times. So now I only buy what I absolutely need. I also set goals for starting my own business and only purchase things …
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My father's solution for my sister
Now, she can only walk around with $5 a week in her pocket. She can go to the local thrift store which is only open on Saturday or buy a pack of cigarettes. My dad is 87 and it is hard to keep her un…
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Do more than get rid of credit cards to control spending
I too have given up my credit cards - I found that I just kept spending - on stuff that I didn't/don't really need. My counselor took them to hold for me - since I don't have a spouse to do it and I …
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Controlling bipolar spending - ask for help!
I have a few strategies for controlling spending. First I have a strict budget. Second, I carry no credit cards and for stores that will look up your credit card number don't go in alone and tell you…
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Controlling bipolar spending - I nearly ruined myself
After the eviction, the stark reality became evident that I needed help. I could no longer try to solve my "spending" by myself. I did not understand why I could not stop. I began seeing my current p…
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Controlling Bipolar Spending - Credit Cards Are Evil!
I don't have any credit cards. I never borrow money. I always pay bills as soon as I get paid. That seems to help. I tend to look at a lot of things on the internet but I'm too broke to buy the thing…
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With Help We Can Learn Control
Once I was diagnosed and started meds I was better, but the desire has not left me. I still have mini episodes, and when I am manic I've learnt to stay at home, away from temptation.When I do go out …
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I Needed Help
We decided to put in place some strategies that would keep me safe from urges to spend up large. The bank agreed that I could have a $300 limit on my credit card. It took a bit of persuasion, because…
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Picture Yourself Out of Debt
1. Made the decision that I wanted to be in control - not the credit card companies. They were charging fees, I swear, just for the fun of it. Very abusive!2. Every time I make a purchase, I pay the …
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Controlling Spending: Know Thyself, Get Help
With my husband, we came up with a plan so that I wouldn't bankrupt us! He kept the checkbook with him at all times, cancelled my credit cards and changed the ATM PIN. He gave me a discretionary fund…
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Spending Control - Did You Need It Yesterday?
USE YOUR INTELLECT, not your "instincts." It's difficult, but at least try Two of my main mechanisms are to ask myself, "Did i have this (whatever) yesterday, and did i need it? Do i need it now? Why…
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To control spending, I make it hard for me to spend
I threw away my credit card and never took more than $50.00 with me when leaving home. Also took only one check with me at a time. Did I feel broke? YES! When I get catalogs in the mail, I walk to th…
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My fiance controls my spending
I return everything the next day, the ones I really don't need and then I walk out of the store. I have to or I'll spend that money all together. Bargains are my weakness. I love bargains, not for ju…
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I control my spending by wise shopping
I only use a prepaid visa card. If I have the need to spend, for that awesome high that comes with it, I will shop and put things in my cart and along the way take them out. If I do purchase them I f…
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I almost ruined myself - learning why helped
Learning that bipolar caused the spending sprees was a huge help. I use a calendar to know when every bill is due and pay those before anything else. Have paid off all checking accounts. I have no cr…
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No More Credit Cards!
I go to the store with a list and if possible I take my husband with me - then it isn't as much fun. I have a list and a budget. If I go over some he is there and knows about it. I don't have credit …
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