Obsessive shoppers fascinate me, particularly those who shop for luxury items even when they can’t afford to. Why do they do it? Because shopping is like any other addiction: You know it’s not healthy but you just can’t help yourself.
When a friend turned 30, she decided she wanted to party in style, so she organized a four-day trip to Las Vegas. The first two days were spent doing two of my least favorite things: 1) Walking in the scorching sun and 2) Shopping.
Vegas isn’t cheap. You aren’t going to find a Walmart or Target on the strip. What you will find is a lot of high-end shops where even window shopping seems extravagant.
One of the women who came along on the trip was a very well-paid accountant who honestly could have purchased anything she wanted. But the only time she plunked down any cash was at an upscale boutique that was having a sale. She refuses to pay for anything full price unless it’s really worth it. And this got me thinking: Are there people who love to shop but who are also good at managing their money? And if so, how do they differ from shopaholics? Here’s what data from Queendom’s Shopaholic Test reveals:
Smart shopping tip #1: Don’t fall into the credit card trap.
A little obvious perhaps. The smart shoppers in my sample own fewer credit cards than the shopaholics. My analysis also revealed that:
- 34% don’t own any credit cards at all (compared to 25% of shopaholics).
- 33% own one credit card (compared to 19% of shopaholics).
- 13% own two credit cards (compared to 14% of shopaholics).
- 9% own three credit cards (compared to 10% of shopaholics).
- 11% own four or more credits (compared to a whopping 32% of shopaholics).
Smart shopping tip 2: Don’t be an emotional shopper.
When some people are going through a downward emotional spiral, they eat. When shopaholics are going through an emotional low, they shop. My analysis also revealed that:
- 88% of shopaholics buy things when they are angry or depressed (compared to 36% of smart shoppers).
And speaking of emotional ups and downs…
Smart shopping tip 3: Don’t resort to “retail therapy” to help you cope with stress.
When asked what type of strategies they use to unwind at the end of a tough day, here’s how the nine different coping strategies were ranked, from most popular to least popular:
Methods shopaholics use to deal with stress:
#1: Shopping
#2: Comfort food
#3: A relaxing bath
#4: Talking things out with a friend or loved one
#5: Having a drink (alcohol)
#6: Reading a book
#7: Exercising
#8: Taking a long walk
#9: Writing out their feelings
Methods smart shoppers use to deal with stress:
#1: Talking things out with a friend or loved one
#2: A relaxing bath
#3: Comfort food
#4: Taking a long walk
#5: Reading a book
#6: Exercising
#7: Writing out their feelings
#8: Having a drink (alcohol)
#9: Shopping
Smart shopping tip 4: Don’t be fashion obsessed.
Fashion is highly subjective, in my opinion. Yes, there are probably a few things in my closet that would compel the fashion police to put a warrant out on me, but I wear what I like—and a lot of the stuff that’s trending, I am not a fan of. The bottom line: Smart shoppers know that just because something is “hot” it doesn’t mean 1) it will suit them and 2) it’s worth buying. My analysis also revealed that:
- 84% of shopaholics are obsessed with buying the latest fashions (compared to 5% of smart shoppers).
Smart shopping tip 5: Think twice before you buy anything expensive.
It’s rare for me to step into a store or browse online without wanting to buy something. But if I don’t rein in my impulses, I’ll end up with a gorgeous pair of $300 jeans—and no roof over my head. According to my analysis:
- 61% of smart shoppers won’t buy something unless they absolutely need it (compared to 4% of shopaholics). They’ll either put an item on layaway to give them time to think about it or they just won’t purchase it.
Smart shopping tip 6: Cash only, please.
Walk into any casino, and you’ll probably find an ATM machine at almost every corner. Why? Because after losing $100 in about five minutes, casino owners know that a lot of people won’t be able to resist taking out more money. What’s another $20, right? That’s the danger of debit and credit cards: You don’t see the money disappearing. Here’s what my analysis revealed:
- 89% of smart shoppers set a budget for themselves and make sure to leave the plastic at home (compared to 4% of shopaholics). Moreover, 72% make sure to keep track of every dollar they spend while shopping (compared to only 1% of shopaholics).
Here are some other smart shopping tips:
Treat yourself when you feel you’ve earned it. Rather than shopping just to shop, use it as an incentive. In other words, reward yourself for your accomplishments. For example, if you’re aiming to lose a few pounds, buy yourself a new skirt or pair of pants when you do. Just try not to exceed one treat per month. Plan for serious achievements, not frivolous ones.
Get a hobby. I am not being condescending here. If I spent more time on hobbies than I did on worrying or overanalyzing every aspect of my life, I’d be the best darn board-gaming, creative writing, foreign language learning, genealogy exploring, jigsaw puzzling, pet-fostering kickboxer this world has ever seen. (Get it? It’s all the fun hobbies I’d be engaging in if I weren’t spending so much time in my own head.).
Essentially, instead of spending all your time shopping, occupy yourself with another interest. It doesn’t matter if it’s golf, gardening, or go-carting—if your time is spent elsewhere, your mind will likely be too. You never know, you might find something you enjoy doing even more than shopping!
Find strength in numbers. Try shopping with a friend or family member—preferably someone who doesn’t like to shop. If you find your fingers itching to spend money, ask for their opinion. This may reduce your tendency to buy on impulse because you’ll have an objective objector.
Insightfully yours,
Queen D
