Addicted to Shopping

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I'm a for sure splurger...here is the first thing that I thought of when you said spend your money on yoga class... "I need at least 3-4 new yoga pants, some shoes, a new mat, oh some yoga shorts too and some really cute Nike drifit shirts to go along with" hahaha...

Rebekah of IN 12:10AM June 03, 2010

I've also seen that commercial! I don't think there's anything wrong with being a nation of consumers.. but then again I'm addicted to shopping. Like I actually have a serious problem. I just bought $8263.89 worth of clothes, and it only took me about twenty minutes. I don't know why, but shopping gives me this unbelievable high, and I'm so happy the day I order the clothes, the day they arrive, and every day I wear them. Only 5-10 business days! I can't wait!! I got the CUTEST shirts.. and this amazing dark blue sweater..
um, yeah,
consuming is nice.

Danielle Cramer of OR 3:14PM August 16, 2008

Grace- I am thinking of exploring this issue further and am looking for people willing to talk about their struggles against spending... if you wouldn't mind chatting with me, please email me at alphaconsumer@usnews.com. thanks so much.

Kimberly Palmer of 12:48PM July 29, 2008

When I was going through a particularly difficult and unhealthy dating relationship, I was into splurging on clothes shopping. A new outfit always makes me feel a little better about myself, but in this case, I was trying to prove to myself and to [him] that I was desirable and beautiful.
I am now emotionally stable and in a very healthy marriage. Looking back on that time, I can see that my splurges were not only poor decisions, but lies that I was believing about myself as I tried to make up for the pain I was going through. There was a deeper issue than simply being wasteful with my money.
Now when I'm tempted to splurge, I consider the source of the desire...am I trying to prove something? cover pain? believing lies about myself?
It also helps to be completely honest and open with my husband about when I feel like splurging. It is OUR money, so I always ask him when I want something that goes beyond our basic needs.

Grace of VA 12:45PM July 29, 2008

Joey- do you work for Discover?

Kimberly Palmer of 11:25AM July 29, 2008

I think it's a great ad. I think what Discover is trying to show is that it's okay to spend how you want, whether it be a lot or a little, and Discover is there to help you manage your spending on your terms. It shows me that Discover cares about me as a consumer and dosen't just want my money.

Joey S. of IN 10:45AM July 29, 2008

That is a good point- if you keep your wants low-key than it's easier to be satisfied. Not much can make me happier than sushi and lattes, which, if done only a few times a month, is worth the cost, I think.

Kimberly Palmer of 4:08PM July 28, 2008

I've seen that comemrcial. And obviously the goal of a credit card commercial is to convince you that there's nothing wrong with spending lots of money using a credit card, preferably theirs. They just aren't usually quite that direct about it.
I'm pro-wisely-considered-splurge: Spend money on the things that really make you happy. I've thanked my lucky stars more than once that I'm the type of person who is made happy by a box of granola and a smoothie.

Johanna of MD 3:42PM July 28, 2008

I see no problem with the small splurge every now and then, although I'm in the category of people who believe that lattes are splurges. Buying a 4 dollar latte or ordering dinner one night a month won't kill me. Buying a new HDTV because I want it will...

Veronica of NY 3:10PM July 28, 2008