Are You a Shopaholic? Use the "Buddy System!"

Last week on Black Friday, the Vancouver Sun did a profile of Smart Cookies co-founder and self-proclaimed shopaholic Katie Dunsworth. In the interview, she spoke about her previously terrible spending habits and obsession with “trying to keep up appearances.” Nowadays, she sets up safeguards to prevent overspending including determining ahead of time with her husband how much they are going to spend and what they are going to buy. She even takes a friend or her husband to the store with her to ensure that she does not go off of the pre-determined budget and shopping list.

I thought that this was a wonderful idea for people having trouble curbing their spending. When you go out to the mall this year, we recommend taking a friend or significant other along with you. Make sure that they are the type of person who will keep you accountable instead of giving into impulse buys themselves. The best part about this idea is that it will give you time to chat with the person you brought along with you and catch up in the midst of the busy holiday season.

Do you usually go shopping with friends or a spouse, or do you shop alone? Do you spend more or less money while shopping with another person? Comment below and tell us what you think!

To learn more about responsible spending habits, go to http://blog.mycreditspecialist.com, and sign up for a free credit evaluation at http://www.mycreditspecialist.com.