Do you have more shoes than Imelda Marcos? Do your closet rods sag from the load of shirts, skirts, and ?adorable outfits? you own?many with the tags still attached? Are your shelves lined with new books that you haven't gotten around to reading? Is the garage stacked with tools that are never used? Does the craft room groan because it is stuffed to the gills with paper, beads, or fabric?



Retail therapy isn't all it's cracked up to be. The stress caused by those credit card bills or an over drawn bank account often brings pangs of guilt, buyer's remorse, or worse.

In my early to mid-20's, I would spend many afternoons aimlessly wandering around the mall. Rarely did I have a purchase goal, but I usually came home with something new. Shopping made me feel better. Or so I thought.

The reality is harsh. Those trips, along with other ill-planned purchases, were a good portion of what started my trip down the road to financial disaster.I'm not alone. There have been many books, both fiction and non-fiction, written on the topic. My favorite is the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella. The ?shopaholic? main character goes from hiding from the bank manager (who's trying to collect on her overdrawn account) to super financial counselor and beyond. Nevertheless, she never looses her zest for shopping.

Spending money frivolously and thoughtlessly is often what triggers financial difficulties. Taking the time to make a budget and allow for these things (instead of going off on a whim and blowing all of your available funds) will set up good habits that could ultimately preserve your bank account.

Perhaps retail therapy isn't your problem. Maybe you love online gambling or have a collection of widgets that could rival the world record holder's. Whatever your compulsion, it's time to get it under control.

Control is something that far too many of us don't have a grasp of. The best way to get control is to devise a plan. For example, you could set a monthly budget of $100 to spend however you want. The main thing is that if you do set goals and add this line item to your budget, you have to stick to the plan.

True, there are times when lack of control is a bigger issue that cannot be fixed by pure will. Addictions are real. I'm not discounting that fact. If you have an addiction, or if you suspect you might, seek help. There are plenty of counselors available to offer legitimate help. If your addiction (or the actions of someone you love) has brought you and your family to the point where you can't afford help, I urge you to call your local chapter of the United Way. They may have a program in your area or be able to point you in the right direction.

For many of us, it's a simple behavior issue and we need a reality check. The thrill of the hunt or the delivery of a package to our front door gets us in trouble from time to time. Don't let your love of shopping get the best of you and your checkbook. When you take steps to limit your spending, you will hunt longer and harder for what you truly want.