Dear Nicole,

The first thing I want to say is congratulations! The fact that you are as aware as you are is a great beginning. I totally understand that it has cost you more than just financially. Interpersonal and relationship costs are often even higher than the financial costs, as are occupational and spiritual costs for some people.

There are many options to get effective help for stopping overshopping. The first thing I recommend is to go to my website www.stoppingovershopping.com and put your name and e-mail address into the box on the lower left hand corner of the home page. Immediately you'll get two free reports, 3 Proven Strategies for Stopping Overshopping and More Proven Strategies for Stopping Overshopping. Next, I'd go to the resource section, both the resources that we offer, and the other resources that are listed on the site and check them out. Debtors Anonymous is free and there are in-person, telephone, and online meetings. DA has helped thousands and thousands of people become solvent. There are a number of other resources on the site, hypnoosis tapes, websites, like savekaryn.com that can inspire you, myselfhelp.com, and the Stopping Overshopping Program and group coaching sessions.

Before you buy anything, I'd ask yourself the following six questions:

1. Why am I here?
2. How do I feel?
3. Do I need this?
4. What if I wait?
5. How will I pay?
6. Where will I put it?

This will slow you down and give you a chance to muster the strength to resist buying. And every time you resist buying, make sure to say something affirming to yourself because you will have done something difficult and deserve recognition!

I also want you to know you can never get enough of what you don't really need. Most overshopping is prompted by an underlying authentic emotional need that the shopping temporarily meets. However, after the effect of the shopping wears off, you're in a worse position than before. Try to identify what it is you really need, what you're really shopping for, and find a way to meet that need that will enhance your life. For example, if you're bored or lonely and you're shopping to relieve your boredom or loneliness, think about what else you could do to alleviate those feelings. Maybe you'd go see a friend, go to a talk on a topic of interest, anything that will help you alleviate those feelings. The 3 Proven Strategies special report will give you more detail about how to do this.

Nicole, I wish you success in stopping overshopping.

Warm regards,

April Benson