3 Quick Steps to Help Shopaholics Now!

Made it one year - no shopping for clothing, shoes or pocketbooks unless it is an absolute necessity - My name is Niki and I am recovering shopaholic and I am proud to announce that I can count on two hands what I added to my wardrobe - basically I went an entire year April 15- April 15.

I was the type of person who would meander through very popular clothing stores and snag items I really did not need, for myself and my daughter, so sadly I shared this awful habit with her, and I work in education, in a state that ranks in the bottom 5 of what it pays its educators and my daughter is in college - so shopping as a stress reliever is not a luxury I could afford. I needed to grow up and get a hold of my finances quickly. One of the best ways - STOP shopping, immediately! This past year afforded me so much time away from department stores and quality time dining with friends occasionally or just being home in my amazingly quiet home.

I only purchased the following: a blouse and a pair of boots for a Halloween Costume ($80), bathing suits for vacation ($85 for three of them, as opposed to a very expensive brand where I normally would pay that for one suit) and a much needed addition to my wardrobe a fabulous well known brand suit for an interview and a suit dress ($184 for $565+ worth of gear - even the manager was swooning over the fact that I got a blazer, skirt and dress for that price with all of the discounts added up).

3 Major Moves a Shopaholic can make NOW!

STOP shopping - immediately put yourself on a shopping hiatus. Only purchase what is needed, begin to sort through and actually use what you have in your closet.

ASSESS - During the year of no shopping, use this time to truly assess what you need and what you don’t need - if you have not worn it in a year, you probably will not wear it - save only super special pieces, otherwise,

DONATE/SELL what is taking up space in your closet and life - invite girlfriends or your daughter’s friends to shop in your closet - donate what you can, sell what you can and clean house.

For the brave new move - I will not buy anything unless it is needed - pretty much same rule applies, till my kid graduates college. Two more years to go...Bring it!