(Using a throwaway since im quite embarrassed 😅)After reading some of the posts here I realized I'm not alone on this! I always had a feeling that I was a shopping addict once I would buy anything that I wanted when I was around 13. A few years passed and I slowly decreased my spending habits which was good. I am now 18 and with a source of income, although I do save money, I have immense gulit to see that I have wasted 900 in December and 700 in January on stuff I didn't necessarily need. I feel like I am going back to my old habits but I cannot stop myself, I always end up spending every week. And with that I have made a goal to not spend over 200 this month of February and I hope to keep that goal. I told myself that I'll minimize the trips to the stores and have deleted the shopping apps off of my phone. I know my addiction is probably tied with growing up in a very poor family and the death of my mother at the age of 12. If anyone also trying to meet a goal I wouldn't mind doing it along with them! I think I'll actually be more successful if someone is saving alongside me lol😭.

I'm doing a no buy February. I know one month is not a lot, I just want to slow down my consumption for a while and see where it goes. I shopped a lot in January and also sold few things on Vinted, and honestly, I'm tired. Tired of managing packages, tired of the waste, tired of making decisions. I also spent a lot of money.

I'm not gonna buy any clothes, skincare or haircare this month (clothes being the biggest issue). I also want to just stop any shopping behaviors like endlessly scrolling online stores and adding things to my wishlist.

Instead I want to focus on the things I already have. Today I started digitally cataloguing my wardrobe on the Indyx app. I'm like 80-90% done.

Main takeaways so far:

• When searching for pictures to use for the app, I went through all my online orders from the last 4-5 years. It seems like at least 50% of all the clothes that I bought is already decluttered. I don't even consider myself being very into trends or rotating things a lot in my wardrobe, this was all done in the name of "finding my personal style". I decluttered only few pieces here and there, but now, in a few years, half of it is already gone. What a waste of money!
• I'm kinda happy with the stuff I have now, even the pieces I bough around 3 years ago. I really hope it lasts and that I won't declutter them in a year.
• Seeing all my clothes in this way really inspires me to create new fun outfits. For example, I have lots of nice pants and skirts, but in reality, I usually put on some jeans, pick a top to go with it and call it a day. I'm not being very creative and I hope this app can help with that!
• I already see a few (luckily not too many) items that will probably be decluttered as well. They stand out to me as not being that cohesive with the rest and I also don't feel very excited about creating outfits with them. Good news is I don't feel any need to replace them with something better, I'm pretty okay with using the other things that I have in that category instead. I feel like decluttering usually helps me with being more content with my wardrobe, even though I'm making it smaller. But it still sucks that I still make some mistake purchases.

If I feel like I don't have many opportunities to wear the "fun" outfits (because most of my "outings" is walking my dog or grocery shopping - I work from home) I'll try to create them! I wanna go on more dates with my boyfriend (or any, really) and go see my friends more.

Also, I want to think less about the "stuff" in general (even though I realize this post doesn't sound like it). I want to spend more time reading, watching good movies, cooking amd excercising. I also really want to go to a gallery this month and look at some beautiful things that are not products for me to buy - for a change).

Lastly, few ideas that help me curb my shopping:

• "Remember when you wanted the things that you have?".
• Thinking about all the hussle that is part of the shopping experience - deciding on an item, researching, deciding on a right size (the worst), waiting for the order, tracking the order, the time spent going to pick up the order, unpacking it, the usual subtle disappointment (that the new thing is in fact just a piece of clothing and nothing more and the fact that you don't actually look like the model on the website), putting all the trash and tags away... now if something is wrong, here comes the returning process - folding it, packing it, going to a post office/pick up point, tracking the return, hoping nothing goes wrong, checking your account repeatedly to see if the money is already there, etc etc
• Thinking about your favorite pieces of clothing and the fact that the more you have in that category, the less you'll wear the favorite one. Thinking about stylish people having their style "uniform" or signature style and how that goes against constantly acquiring new pieces.

What about you? Anyone wanna join on the no buy? What do you want to focus on this month?

I’m a 19 year old college student and I’m spending $900 on average per month which isn’t a lot compared to some people here but I only work part time and I don’t pay bills so it’s basically my entire earnings monthly. I normally just waste all my money when I’m bored and decide to go online shopping but today I decided to delete all of them. I’ve forgotten and went to search for them a few times but when I realised I’d deleted them I just go do something else. I nearly spent $100+ on a sweatshirt online and was literally one click away but I stopped myself before I went through with it.

I know these are only small things but I’m getting there

I realized recently I really need to get my head in gear and stop throwing away money so fast. practically everytime I get a new pay check, it goes to paying off my credit card from the previous two weeks between my last. for the past couple of years I haven’t saved /any/ money. but I just needed to buy a car because my old one gave up on me, and decided it’s time I get a new one that’ll last me, and having the payments has made me spiral a bit realizing I really can’t save money. I should have plenty left over. but I never do.

growing up I never got to have anything nice and once I got my own job I grew addicted to the confidence wearing makeup and nicer clothes gave me and i’m always chasing that high, trying to find the next thing that’ll make me feel that. I constantly convince myself this new foundation will make me look better, I need this expensive hair product, or I need that jacket I found to look cool.

I have countless skincare products I never used. a shelf full of hair care. a closet that’s too full to even use and my room is never clean because I have no where to put anything.

I want to go through my clothes especially and sell some but I get so overwhelmed by the thought, and usually stop after an hour of trying.

I never really viewed myself as addicted until recently and it’s been pretty eye opening. I’ve been trying to hold back, but even when I do that it still feels like I have nothing left over by the end of the week.

thanks for reading, and thanks for this community, it’s been reassuring knowing i’m not alone in this :)

I remember a while back there was a discussion about linking OCD with shopping addiction. By OCD I mean the clinical version obsessive compulsive disorder, not the 'haha I'm so anal-retentively organized' version.

I experienced OCD in childhood which I haven't experienced since I was about 11/12 years old. This manifesting in checking windows, doors, locks, drawers, etc.

OCD definitely took over at a time when I felt like I had little control in my life.

Shopping is also in a way a compulsion, a hunt, a need to get items and to spend. I also wonder if it's my adult way of feeling 'in control' (albeit ironically completely out of control). I can control what I get and when, I am compelled to shop, and it's a sort coping mechanism. I'm at home with shopping. The dopamine rush is a nice bonus. I know the parameters of the game.

Anyone else?

Please use this thread to discuss recent wins, things you've been struggling with lately, something that you've been trying lately that's helped you, or anything you'd like to share with the community that doesn't warrant a full post.

If you have more than 200 words in your comment, you may want to consider creating a separate thread.

As always, thanks for sharing and we're here for you!

For all of you that are participating in the 2025 no-buy/low-buy challenge, please use this thread to post any related updates! Share your wins, struggles, perspective shifts, insights, or tips for anyone else.

Feel free to use the questions below as a guide!

1. Rate the last two weeks on a scale of 1-10 (10 being amazing).
2. What was your no-buy/low-buy goal for the last two weeks?
3. Did you accomplish it, and if not, why not?
4. What did you learn in the last two weeks?
5. What was your biggest win?
6. What was your biggest obstacle? What could you change to overcome it?
7. What needs to happen to make the next two weeks a success?
8. What do you need help with and who do you need to contact?

This thread will be automatically posted weekly. For any updates in between, please create a separate post.

There was a jewelry drop from my favorite artist and the item I wanted sold as I was checking out. At first I was sad but now i’m so relieved!! Sometimes hype and scarcity can get the best of us.

I never feel fulfilled when I buy something, so I keep going and going and going. when I order something, the rush of waiting for it is amazing but the second I receive it in the mail, i’m already shopping for more. I buy clothes that I don’t need (I use two closets and one dresser in my house and it still doesn’t fit everything) and i wear about 1/12 of my closet in the week and rotate the same clothing. I buy different versions of makeup and skincare I already have. I am never happy with what I have and I always need more and more and more. I am never satisfied. where do I start? how do I stop this? I cannot afford to do this anymore and I am digging myself in a deeper hole each day.

I have worked hard to have more accountability in shopping so this is going to help me a lot now that the tariffs are going into effect. Because now I am going to be even less tempted to shop because of the uncertainty in the economy.

I was wondering if anybody relates to feeling like their life is going to shit, chaos is impending, anxieties are building so why not have a shopping spree?

I'm currently in the middle of a huge life transition (escaping abusive family) after years of trauma and I'm shopping to cope with the uncertainty. The future feels so unreal and far away. There is a sense of helplessness over my surroundings that feels eased by the material goods I have around me.

Existential stress makes me hoard, hoard hoard...

My goal is to do a “no spend/low spend” February - I tried to do January & started out good but ended up failing very bad several days. - especially towards the end telling myself “it’s ok I’m going to start next month- I’ll makeup for it”

I have lots of important bills types of obligations coming up I need to save for. Whatnot is one of my biggest cruxes right now.

Right now if I have a good day I am marking it on the calendar- so far 1 of 1.

However my favorite store is having a huge sale and I’m struggling not to spend $200 on CLOTHES I absolutely do not need.

Any suggestions that can help me get through this month?

Any accountability groups I can join?

I spend within my means and can afford my bills every month, so how do I stop? Saving doesnt even seem appealing to me compared to the instant gratification of pressing the “proceed to checkout” button and purchasing. If i dont have at least something coming in the mail at all times I get depressed. If im depressed i have to go out shopping. Im addicted to buying art supplies and collecting vintage & retro things. I always have constant new creative ideas that consist of 100$-200$ increments. If its not ruining my life, what is the motivation to stop? Aside from me running out of shelves/cabinets in my house…. Issue is i spend exactly what I know I can afford, but never have any funds for emergencies which I never really run into tbh. UGH

I can't believe how much make-up and hygiene products I have, still. I am more angry with myself for the denial I have in my shopping addiction. I have made strong strides to have better impulse control in not buying make-up or fragrances in along time. It will probably take me a year to use what I have up. I want more space.

I got through the Christmas season with minimal damage. However, Valentine's Day is a BIG trigger for me.

I went on several websites and wanted to buy things, even though I have enough of those items. I saw the new items and my brain was still telling me I didn't have enough.

During triggery times, I have to keep telling myself I have enough, specifically, I don't need it (no room/space). The products will make me elated temporarily for a few seconds and make my life better, then I won't hit any financial goals.

I came here to be honest, so I do not do something stupid.

I passed a decorating store and chose not to go in it. I did not want to tempt myself. I absolutely love decorating for Valentine's Day. If I could get through this last Christmas season, which was excruciating, and buying no gifts for anyone, this should be easy too. This is not the case. I have to fight impulses every single day.

What I have learned is that recovery is 1 day at a time. It doesn't matter how last month went. Or what I did yesterday, it matters what I do in this moment. The moment is in the now.

Coming here and posting helped me to make the right choice. Phew, sometimes this is very difficult, yet not impossible.

I am enough without buying a bunch of stuff I truly don't need.

I think what is a bummer I now see decorating for different holidays as unnecessary, although it used to bring me great joy and seemingly make my life better. I AM learning to live with less and still don't love it yet. It is doable, and I won't die.

Sometimes the impulses are insidious...you are not alone. I just want to get through 13 more days.

Please help. My biggest issue is microtransactions in games. I spend hundreds of dollars monthly on phone and PC gaming. How do I stop myself effectively? Ever since I gave up smoking weed, drinking, and other coping mechanisms, my spending became insane. I got in control of my online store shopping easily but the digital purchases got worse. My boyfriend that I live with is aware that I've done it before but does not know how bad it still is. He would 100% kick me out if I told him. I want to confess after I get in control of it and actually save.

Also, I was layed off from my remote tech job in November and he has been incredible. I went up on my antidepressant dosage and I start getting treatment for PTSD + ADHD after valentine's day. I'm so worried because I'm pretty sure we're about to go into a recession or something. I need to get it together. I could have paid off all of my debt with the money and saved thousands last year with what I spent in microtransactions. It is killing me every day and my journey with depression is starting to take a hard left turn. I haven't hard those really dark thoughts in over a year and they're coming back very slowly.

I traveled to another country to be surrounded by my machismo family members. More often than not I bite my tongue and keep my head down. Yesterday, I snapped and became obsessed with finding the perfect blush- took the time to go through a color match with ChatGPT and loaded up my cart. Exited out, revisited and evaluating if I actually need to spend $200 because a few people lack human decency.

I’m back to my cart 24 hours later and I realize that I would love a more complimentary makeup products; it’s not something I need right now, my cart can wait because what I have is still useful.

How much variety could a person actually need … I already have 2 open blushes; 1 I love (summer) and the other I’m trying to power through (really light rose). I do have backup of the one I love … it’s the other I want to replace.

Went back to website and 3 of the replacement products were sold out. A reminder to allow the store to do the storing and only own what I’m actually using.

I got myself into debt over the holidays. I try to recall what I bought and even look at statements to see where all my money went. Even with the numbers, I still can’t wrap my head around how I spent so much. I used to being so disciplined with my spending. Shopping has definitely been my main coping mechanism for the last few years. I think work was my previous one until I burnt out hard. I try to find other ways to cope, but nothing is as fun as shopping. Sometimes I’ll do DIYs or crafts but it can feel like a chore to start. I look at all my supplies and think “ugh” or I feel uninspired/unmotivated.. Nothing beats the rush of buying a new outfit or new makeup .. sigh. I’ve been doing a good job of slowing it down this month but I’m getting the urge to shop and can’t find anything to replace it with..

I'm not hungry. The snack area downstairs at my job is just there to tempt me. Same with the vending machine at school. I just want to buy something because I'm bored at my desk or in class. I fought the temptation at work by chewing gum. Fell into the vending machine trap though (why oh why does my class have to be three hours?!).

Next week I'll be more prepared since i finally stocked up on my own snacks to bring in. I haven't seen this one yet, so does anyone else have a slight food addiction where they have to spend money to save money? How do you manage?

EDIT: This impulse only strikes me as i get closer to PMS time. I see chocolate, chips, etc., then i crave it. Ladies you know what i mean.

Im 2k in debt and realized I had a problem when I only felt like had a purpose when I shopped.Shopping was my only escape from life and then I would feel guilty and shop more to feel better or feel anything. I know I need therapy but I don’t know how to start

I have a shopping addiction when I was younger my mom would go shopping with me as a reward for my good grades and when I was sad my mom took me shopping so now every time I'm upset sad or angry I'd go shopping either online or in person and I just think it's simply because my concept of money is messed up I'm a broke college I don't understand how I just spent $200 in 2 days which was more than my paycheck I'm just kind of disappointed and frustrated with myself I feel like I can't get ahead because of me I don't know how to change I try to save money by putting stuff in my savings I put 25% every paycheck but I just ended up pulling it out when I need it I don't know how to stop.

Hi all. I am in 21k of shopping debt (it used to be much higher but I have been working very hard to stay in budget. I'm 26 years old. I have a good job,a decent apartment, an old car that is fully paid off...anyway, a new gym is opening right by me. I've been struggling with my weight and I literally cannot get myself to the gym unless I have a $$ and reservation commitment to go. I love to go to dance class, but I am not the most fit in my classes and it brings me down. I really want this gym membership. They will have unlimited pilates!! The gym is $150 a month. It is NOT in the budget, I would have to seriously sacrifice to not get off track with paying my debt off. Like never getting any food, uber, social outing, etc. I think it is possible but would be a challenge. What do you all think....

I was on vinted today and saw the most beautiful jacket for £6… they normally go for £150- £200 (seriously!) so immediately I went to buy it, obviously… the payment failed and I saw that someone had got there first :(

I’m literally so upset I have been trying to find something equivalent for hours hoping something will come up for a similar price. I know I’ve really missed out on a brilliant piece and I’m not sure how to feel better about it… I know this sounds so pathetic lol but I’m sure you guys understand.

How have you gotten over “the one that got away”? Im so frustrated!

So I have acquired a pretty big makeup collection over the years, it’s not one of my main addictions but I still have way more makeup than I’ll ever use(for example I have about 15 blushes in total bought in the space of 5ish years but still). I wasn’t really buying any new makeup in the last year or so but i kept seeing those westman atelier cream blushes everywhere and I found a mini sized one on offer and thought a little treat won’t do any harm. The blush was super underwhelming, I barely use it and has 0 lasting power on my oily skin.

Then recently I found a glossier cloud paint in an outlet shop for a 3rd of the price, another cream blush I’ve wanted to try for years so I got it thinking it would be my holy grail cream/liquid blush finally and while it is nice it didn’t wow me.

A few days ago I randomly found one of the Mac basic powder blushes I had in my stash for years that I completely forgot about. Today I was getting ready to go to the gym and I wanted a quick blush so I just used the Mac one without any cream blush underneath as I didn’t have time. Not only it looked very natural on the skin but it also lasted me for about 8 hours through a cardio and a strength training session. I could’ve stopped buying blushes once I found this amazing one but for some reason I had to find myself a liquid one since this was what the influencers were promoting for longevity to wear under powder or to have it look more natural which is complete bs 🤦🏻‍♀️.

So, moral of the story, your holy grail probably already exists in your stash. No need to buy any new products, really. Especially when it comes to powder makeup products.

Hi everyone! It's been a few days since my last post here and I'm very pleased to say that I haven't bought a single thing for myself. I read somewhere that lists help and I can confirm that they actually do.

I've made a list of everything I would like to buy, I scroll around looking and searching, I put things in the cart and then I close the window and do not proceed the payment.

I've set a budget of 80€ per month for myself and I've made a promise not to exceed it. I wrote down the prices of all the things that I want and I chose what I'm gonna buy this month. As soon as I get paid, I'll transfer 200€ to my savings' account and I'll transfer 200€ the groceries to me and my fiance's joined account.

I should find a way to keep the 80€ that I spend for myself on another account so that I can have another account just for shopping. This way I won't mix up the money and go overboard.

The important thing is that I feel so much happier and free now that I'm in this group and I get to read all your advice. Thank you for keeping my life in track. I was so ashamed to speak about this problem because people don't understand that I'm trying to fill a void while shopping. They just think I'm greedy. Thank you for your heal and understanding.

For the last 2.5 years, I’ve bought, sold and sometimes rebought probably well over 100 decks if not twice that. Every time I’m down to a few decks, I end up creeping up to 10-20 decks. Many of which run me on average of 65 dollars each and I never retrieve the full original price when they sell. I talk myself into these decks for one reason or another or change the criteria for buying because I believe in that moment it’s the final solution to stop buying so many decks and after using this criteria, I’ll eventually stop. And I never do. I’m at the point that maybe I need to stop and purge all my decks permanently from my home. Because then using them becomes a chore rather than fun so they don’t sit and collect dust or I fall into wanting to fortune tell which is a whole other addictive issue I had to stop. But overall I end up shopping more than I actually use any of them.

I don’t know what else to do anymore. It’s hard for me to just let them go. But it’s costing a deep financial burden to myself and others. It makes me miserable and ashamed outside of that dopamine high of buying, waiting and opening mail. And even then I’m between there’s guilt and anxiety to hide the packages that are en route. I can’t discuss it even in the tarot community because it’s normal to collect 200+ decks and people get angry when you start calling out the consumerism problem no one wants to address.

I’ve had a shopping addiction since I was a young girl. My parents always showed their love through things, money, gifts, trips to the mall. Even when they lost everything we still found ways to shop, second hand, thrift stores etc. well now I’m almost 30 and my life is in shambles. I’m disabled due to a brain disease but it doesn’t stop me from shopping. I love to go to the stores and look at things for hours. If I see something I even remotely like I find a way to buy it. I’ve filed bankruptcy already, massive debt with credit cards again and personal loans, things in collections, my credit is now so bad I can’t get approved for any more credit which is a blessing in disguise I think. I’ve been depressed lately with the way things have been going and I just fell into a trap of almost nonstop shopping for about 5 days. Now I’m broke and the worst part is I’m unemployed so it’s my sweet partner who funds my habit. He’s so nice about it and supportive but I feel horrible when I come down from my high and realize I’m taking advantage of all his hard work. I desperately want to change but all my attempts have failed. Does anyone have any success stories or tips? I’d love to know what has worked for people with a similar problem to me.

I’ve avoided shopping for months now and have gotten debt consolidated, sold many items, thought I had this under control. But then I went luxury shopping - for reasons I can’t explain - and dropped all this money I don’t have. I have a therapist, I am working with a financial counselor.

I feel so useless and hopeless. I see posts here and I have way more debt than anyone I see posted. I feel like such an idiot.

I’m debating liquidating my 401(k) to get out of this but I don’t know that that will solve anything AND I’ll shortchange my future.

Any kind advice or empathy would be appreciated. I feel so lost.

I know why I like to shop. Growing up, I was extremely poor. I grew up with no heat and rats. Now I’m an adult with my own money, and I can’t stop. I got bullied in school for not having the cool new things. I got clothes from hand me downs, baskets from food drives are how we ate, it was quite obvious I was poor. I was made fun of it, and it was my biggest insecurity. It started with body mists and perfume so I could smell good. My family smoked in the house, so I was hyper focused on my smell. Fast forward a few years, and now I’m 21 and moved out. Perfume, makeup, and clothes are my top issues. I bought a $200 perfume just because I could after years of not being able to afford food as a kid. I’m currently looking for a therapist, I just needed to rant because finding a therapist is a longer process than I anticipated. If you took time to read, thank you. I believe in us, we will all get through this!!

So I went to the mall today for the first time in months. I don't have a car and got a ride from someone else. I bought a lottt of stuff. I considered each item and whether I'd use it, and took pictures of things I wanted but wasn't going to buy. I got home and showed my sister all of the stuff that I bought, and she said it all looked like junk to her. I looked at my haul and realized she was right. I didn't need any of this. I justified buying it in the moment and now I'm surrounded by junk. I opened everything already so I can't really return anything. I spent hundreds of dollars today and I feel disgusting. I'm trying so hard to save for a car and I've been getting better about my spending, but today was a relapse and I just have a pit in my stomach.

There's a certain popular shopping app that is well known for selling cheap clothing and other random items. This app has sucked me into an endless cycle of buy/return, store credit, and refunds.....for 19 months. Thousands of dollars spent. What could i have done with this money? Bought a few stocks maybe. Anyways, i deleted my account officially and I'm free. Progress feels sweet 🥳

EDIT: I just did a calculative deep dive...the total I've spent in 19 months on this app was $4,391.73. Like holy cow, i could've used that to pay down my existing debt.