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How do you girls go to the store without going shopping crazy? I spend waaaay too much when I'm shopping, even if it's for food. And then half the stuff goes bad! I try not to do this, and I really hate that I do and try to set a budget, but it always seems like I go over, or get out of hand. Every paycheck I sit there and think "Oh I need this and this, and I really need to get this..." It's like it never ends. I mean, I did move out into my own apartment 6 months ago and started all over (which means my walls are BARE) but is saying I'll get 1 thing each paycheck for the apartment that bad? Am I feeding my craving to spend money?

Cash.

If you really can't control your spending - and I know how easy it is to overspend with credit! - leave everything at home except the exact amount you're allowing yourself to spend, in cash.

So if you want to spend $50 a week on groceries, for example, give yourself that much cash and leave the plastic at home.  Same for furnishings, clothing, whatever.  But the discipline has to be there to stick to cash and leave the rest home.

Might feel like deprivation at first, but once you get used to being in control of your money, it is freeing.   :smileflower:

Sounds kinda funny but, it works for me.  I dont go to the stores much anymore and do my shopping online.  I use coupons and specials that i find at
http://www.dealtaker.com
I buy when something is on sale with a coupon and usually free shipping.   I really have saved money since I started doing this.  They also have free stuff section too. :dude:

Oh and I dont use credit cards anymore they are evil.  I only use my debit

I think that taking a set amount of actual cash is really great advice. Especially when now almost all debit cards will allow you to spend more than your available balance and the bank clears purchases before they clear deposits. I got myself in trouble that way, thinking my deposit was available because the debit card was not turned down - meanwhile the deposit was not yet "available" so I wound up getting hit with overdraft fees! Ouch!

I think what toni said makes alot of sense too. I am pretty much the same way, I do almost all of my non food shopping online. I find that if I "window shop" online I can budget better, and find the best deals on things so that I am not overspending.

Good luck!

Take a list.  If it's on the list you can buy it.  :D

You got some really good advice from others. But here's the rub. Your problem is NOT shopping. It's something much deeper. As my mentor, Karen McCall, a pioneer in financial recovery says: you can never get enough of what you don't really need.

I'd advise you do two things. One, go to Debtors Anonymous, a fabulous 12 step program around money. Very powerful

Second, do some soul searching, discover what the pain's about that you're trying to numb.

Barbara Stanny, author Prince CHarming Isn't Coming: How Women Get Smart about Money
http://www.barbarastanny.com

I avoid malls.

I also basically only shop in lower-end stores where things are always on sale like Kohl's, WHEN I need something. About a month ago, I needed new pants and sweaters for work. I shopped in the juniors department and got like 6 pairs of pants and 5 basic sweaters for around $125 or so.   

I try not to follow trends either.  Basics are best since they are "always in style". 

If you feel the urge to splurge, by something cheap, like a nice pair of earrings or a new scarf for only a couple of bucks. 

I do end up blowing a lot of money at Trader Joe's though on groceries. 
That's my downfall.  So again, with that, avoid if I have to!

I like the list idea...........that often works well for me. Especially with groceries.

I also have stopped using credit cards as well.  I agree they are the devil.

I also put all my money in savings after I pay off all my bills except a small amount that is used to cover snacks during the week, gas, maybe a small tiny treat. When it's gone, it's gone. 

I have found that I can survive on $20.00 of "spending" money each week easily.

Oh, the dollar store also can be your friend for basic things like shampoo and household cleaning supplies.

If I feel like going shopping, I get involved in some other activity.........reading, watching a movie, going for a walk..........again, maybe buying something much cheaper like treating myself out to a cup of coffee or tea.