I picked up a bad habit.
I don’t know how it started or why on earth I did it.
I have never been the type and it puzzles me why I chose to do it.
The habit started a couple of months ago and I’ve only actually realized it when I got my credit card bill the other day.
Now what do you think the bad habit is? Well, the entry title and picture above is a major hint already la :). If you guessed shopping, you’re right but this is not just any ordinary shopping. It’s more of the ‘when i’m upset, I wanna buy things to calm myself’ kind of shopping.
Oh yes..I was in a bit of stress lately. A typical behaviour when I’m sad, hurt or upset at something or someone, is to hide in one corner and cry myself out. But lately, I find myself wanting to buy things just so that I can feel good about myself.
I’m not much of a credit card user. I try to limit my spending and usually, if I want to buy something, I’ll pay in cash. I will only use my card when it’s really, really necessary. And when I do use my card, I will always, always pay in full. I like to settle any dues immediately.
So one morning a few days ago, I was in total panic when I got my credit card statement. Adding up the amount spent for 2 credit card statements came to about RM4000. What the hell did I spend on in one month? And we’re not talking one or two major items here.
Looking back at what I did, I then remembered it was the time when I was really stressed out. I was upset and sad with some people’s behaviour and thought spending on things would make the feeling go away. I should have known better, right? Silly me. So anyway, apart from the normal monthly payment for items (phone bill, insurance etc), I bought myself a handbag, a few work clothes, an I-Pod Nano, a handphone and gifts for some friends. I wasn’t bothered to take out cash and happily used my credit cards when I didn’t have enough cash with me.
I guess I was in some kind of trance and didn’t realize what I was doing. That credit card bill brought me back to reality. I was in shock for a few hours and quickly went on to sort out my finances.
I have paid off everything which means I have to work extra hard to limit my spending for the next few months. Thank God I learnt my lesson much sooner. Thank God it was still under control.
Money is a bit tight as compared to what I’m used to but at least I don’t owe anyone anything.
I don’t know how it started or why on earth I did it.
I have never been the type and it puzzles me why I chose to do it.
The habit started a couple of months ago and I’ve only actually realized it when I got my credit card bill the other day.
Now what do you think the bad habit is? Well, the entry title and picture above is a major hint already la :). If you guessed shopping, you’re right but this is not just any ordinary shopping. It’s more of the ‘when i’m upset, I wanna buy things to calm myself’ kind of shopping.
Oh yes..I was in a bit of stress lately. A typical behaviour when I’m sad, hurt or upset at something or someone, is to hide in one corner and cry myself out. But lately, I find myself wanting to buy things just so that I can feel good about myself.
I’m not much of a credit card user. I try to limit my spending and usually, if I want to buy something, I’ll pay in cash. I will only use my card when it’s really, really necessary. And when I do use my card, I will always, always pay in full. I like to settle any dues immediately.
So one morning a few days ago, I was in total panic when I got my credit card statement. Adding up the amount spent for 2 credit card statements came to about RM4000. What the hell did I spend on in one month? And we’re not talking one or two major items here.
Looking back at what I did, I then remembered it was the time when I was really stressed out. I was upset and sad with some people’s behaviour and thought spending on things would make the feeling go away. I should have known better, right? Silly me. So anyway, apart from the normal monthly payment for items (phone bill, insurance etc), I bought myself a handbag, a few work clothes, an I-Pod Nano, a handphone and gifts for some friends. I wasn’t bothered to take out cash and happily used my credit cards when I didn’t have enough cash with me.
I guess I was in some kind of trance and didn’t realize what I was doing. That credit card bill brought me back to reality. I was in shock for a few hours and quickly went on to sort out my finances.
I have paid off everything which means I have to work extra hard to limit my spending for the next few months. Thank God I learnt my lesson much sooner. Thank God it was still under control.
Money is a bit tight as compared to what I’m used to but at least I don’t owe anyone anything.
16 comments:
Awwww.. i tend to buy things for myself too when i'm upset with something at work you see. Jgn buat lagi camtu babe!
Eh, did u get me my b'day prezzie? *wink*
reading your post reminded me to pay my sikit lagi overdue credit card bill. i should thank you, really
Angel Eyes,
Errr..your very belated birthday lunch treat is tomorrow, right?
Mr Incognito,
No problem. I am always here to help :)
Reminds me of my mother's words: "Orang yg paling kaya dalam dunia ni ialah orang yang tak ada hutang apa2 & sesiapa."
How true. Isyk.
That's why I vow never to take out a credit card ever again after this! Enough is enough!
Hello Trueblue, I was at Syana's blog and decided to hop over to your blog to check you out. So, here I am.
Pugly, your mother speaks the truth. I believe in that saying.
My sharing: When I finally started working and earned enough to be in that bracket to qualify for a credit card, I announced it to my parents. My mum was so nervous about it that she said I am better off without it. My dad quickly jumped in and said, "Let her have the card. She is working and will be responsible for her expenses. If she overspends, I will not bail her out." Then he winked at me.
No, dad never bailed me out because his statement put enough fear in me. I got my card eventually and always paid them in full. I was too afraid to spend beyond my limit.
I must, however, admit that I did splurge at one time or other (because I was feeling down) and dealt with the consequences of impulsive shopping. Rude awakening, I must say, but it reminded me that I am responsible for my actions.
ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch
may i suggest singing :-)
Pugly,
Mothers know best kan? :)
J.T,
Hi there. Thanks for dropping by.
Yup, we have to take responsibility for our actions. Its like the saying, if you do the crime, you'll have to do the time :)
Azer,
Singing? Hmmm..I guess its worth trying :) What don't you make me that special song?
Hi Trueblue,
You are so right! Now I prefer paper money to plastic money. Easier to monitor our spending that way.
When I am depressed, which is often these days, what with traffic jams and plenty of un-civics-mindedness, I pi minum latte! Cheaper than shopping, I have learnt..ha ha.
Trueblue,
I heard the perfect song for a shopping spree: Katharine McPhee's (American Idol) - Open Toes
Try & listen to it :o)
I eat when I'm upset. Which I think, is much worse.
K Ruby,
I will try your way. Will get some latte later :)
Syana,
Really? Ok, will try to get the song
Shell,
I used eat when I got bored. It was during my younger days when I wasn't worried about my weight. Now at this age, dah kena control la :)
"Show meeee the moneeeyyy"
i feel u. :-(
drfrappucino,
:)
Freak & Geek,
Hehe..thats good to know
wang besar! wang besar!
hehe.. i like moolah!
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