Studies estimate that as many as 17 million Americans, better than one in 20 of us, can't control our urge to shop, even at the expense of our job, our marriage, our family and our finances. I think I tend to spend more than I should, but I don't know if it's an addiction yet. I'm still able to pay my bills and survive so it's not that out of control for me. Does anyone suffer or know someone who suffers from this?

forthelove said:

Studies estimate that as many as 17 million Americans, better than one in 20 of us, can't control our urge to shop, even at the expense of our job, our marriage, our family and our finances. I think I tend to spend more than I should, but I don't know if it's an addiction yet. I'm still able to pay my bills and survive so it's not that out of control for me. Does anyone suffer or know someone who suffers from this?

Yes, I know quite a few persons who, unfortunately, have had issues with shopping-related addictions.  My sister is one of them, and my friends David and Richard almost had to declare bankruptcy when they were in their 20s and overused their credit cards in a very dangerous manner.

Dartz said: Declaring bankruptcy in their 20's? I thought that American schools taught about responsible spending and all that. I never even touch my credit card except when I have no other choice at all.