Introduction
Are You Bought Out and $pent?
If you’re reading this book, either you or someone you know may have serious problems with shopping or spending. There are different ways to determine if there’s really a problem. If you think there’s a problem, usually there is. If others think you have a problem, there usually is. Ultimately, each one of us has to decide for him or herself.
Take the following quizzes and take an honest accounting…
20 QUESTIONS
Shulman CenterAssessment for Compulsive Shopping/Spending
1. Have you ever lost time from work or school due to shopping/spending?
2. Has shopping/spending ever created problems in your relationships?
3. Has shopping/spending ever affected your reputation or people’s opinion of you?
4. Have you ever felt guilt, shame, or remorse after shopping/spending?
5. Did you ever shoplift or steal from work to get money to pay debts or to solve money issues?
6. Did shopping/spending ever cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. Did you ever experience a “high” or “rush” of excitement when you shop or spend?
8. Have you ever shopped/spent to escape worries?
9. Has shopping/spending caused you to have difficulty eating or sleeping?
10. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create an urge to shop or spend?
11. Have you noticed you began shopping or spending more frequently over time?
12. Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your shopping/spending?
13. Upon stopping over shopping or overspending did you continue to be tempted/preoccupied by it?
14. Have you kept your shopping/spending a secret from most of those you are close to?
15. Have you told yourself “this is my last time” and still over shopped or overspent again?
16. Have you continued to shop or spend despite having been had legal issues such as bankruptcy or divorce?
17. Do you often feel angry or feel a need for control?
18. Do you often have feelings of life being unfair?
19. Do you have persistent feelings of entitlement to get buy what you want?
20. Do you have trouble speaking up for yourself, asking for help, or saying “no”?
What was your score/How many times did you answer Yes? _______
Most compulsive shoppers/spenders will answer yes to at least seven (7) of these questions
This questionnaire is adapted from the Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions.
Debtors Anonymous & professional counseling should be recommend for compulsive shoppers/spenders.
15 Questions of Debtors Anonymous
1. Are your debts making your home life unhappy?
2. Does the pressure of your debts distract you from your daily work?
3. Are your debts affecting your reputation?
4. Do your debts cause you to think less of yourself?
5. Have you ever given false information in order to obtain credit?
6. Have you ever made unrealistic promises to your creditors?
7. Does the pressure of your debts make you careless of the welfare of your family?
8. Do you ever fear that your employer, family or friends will learn the extent of your total indebtedness?
9. When faced with a difficult financial situation, does the prospect of borrowing give you an inordinate feeling of relief?
10. Does the pressure of your debts cause you to have difficulty sleeping?
11. Has the pressure of your debts ever caused you to consider getting drunk?
12. Have you ever borrowed money without giving adequate consideration to the rate of interest you are required to pay?
13. Do you usually expect a negative response when you are subject to a credit investigation?
14. Have you ever developed a strict regimen for paying off your debts, only to break it under pressure?
15. Do you justify your debts by telling yourself that you are superior to the "other" people, and when you get your "break" you'll be out of debt overnight?
How did you score? If you answered yes to eight or more of these questions, the chances are that you have a problem with compulsive debt, or are well on your way to having one. If this is the case, today can be a turning point in your life.
10 Questions of Shopaholics Anonymous
Do you “take off for the stores” when you’ve experienced a setback or a disappointment, or when you feel angry or scared?
Are your spending habits emotionally disturbing to you and have they created chaos in you life?
Do your shopping habits create conflicts between you and someone close to you (spouse, lover, parents, or children)?
Do you buy items with your credit cards that you wouldn’t buy if you had to pay cash?
When you shop, do you feel a rush of euphoria mixed with feelings of anxiety?
Do you feel you’re performing a dangerous, reckless or forbidden act when you shop?
When you return home after shopping, do you feel guilty, ashamed, embarrassed or confused?
Are many of your purchases seldom or never worn or used?
Do you lie to your family or friends about what you buy and how much you spend?
Would you feel “lost” without credit cards?
Do you think about money excessively – how much you have, how much you owe, how much you wish you had – and then go out and shop again?
Do you spend a lot of time juggling accounts and bills to accommodate your shopping debts?
If you answered more “yes” than “no” to these questions, you should consider help.
So, are you “bought out and spent”? If not yet but getting there, stop before it’s too late! If you already are, you can get your life back! Either way, read on…
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