[Amandas256]

I have got to find a way to quit spending money when I'm manic. Does anyone out there have any solutions to this problem? I have got to get my spending habits undercontrol or I am going to lose my marriage! I'm in manic mode right now! I took my Ambien and I still cant go to sleep! GRRRRRR!
So people roll on off with some of your tricks PLEASE!!!!

I've heard from one person that when they're manic, they give their credit cards, bank cards & cash to a trusted person (family member, friend, or spouse) and that person only gives them the amount of cash that they NEED...for food and personal items, stuff like that. That way, spending stays under control.

Best of luck in finding a way to control your spending!

[Cthomas]

This may not help all of us but I give my husband all my money, when I feel like spending, he takes me to the dollar store with 20 bux.

Kinda feeds my obsessing about money and spending for a while.

Hope this helps

Colleen

[sugahorse1]

Yeah, I'd put limits on my cards to stop me spending that much or drawing too much from a machine.

[Fresia]

A trusted family member or friend helps. However, I also found myself trying to negotiate with family for them or actually looking for the cards at their places in desperation. So I don't put pressure on family and to ease my mind as to where they are, I put my credit cards in the safety deposit box during an episode now. It limits the time I can go get them and is not worth the trouble by the time the mood passes.

[Anneinside]

Since I have no family nearby, my therapist keeps my credit cards in a seal envelope until the urges are under control. Sometimes I don't recognize that I am starting to spend (I order a lot on the internet) so I set up a spreadsheet and enter each purchase in it. It keeps a running total so I can see what I am spending. Before I started doing that, I once bought 20 long sleeve, v-neck shirts in one week. As they arrived, I kept being surprised as they were delivered. I had no idea I had ordered that many shirts.

[SunnyD]

I am on a cash basis only. I have a card for emergencies. We also have an agreement that any purchase over $20 should be ok'ed by the other.
I do not have a debit card either. There was only one time that I actually scared myself the urge was so strong I gave him my bonds and my card.
I like the idea of a safe deposit box...it does buy time.
If you think you could do it, maybe getting rid of the cards would help. Cutting them up or even microwaving them works pretty well.

[donnasvp]

Call your bank and have them opt-out of Reg E and any overdraft consideration program they have. There is a new law that requires your permission to overdraw your account using your debit card. If you opt-out if is very dificult to overdraw your account by using a debit card. My husband has access to only one checking account with a minimal balance and we have taken away his credit cards. If he needs money, we can transfer it into his account immediatly online for legitimate purchases. Good luck!!

[rkba97]

Cthomas I love the dollar store idea... I've been doing the online clearance stores (and giving my card to my SO doesn't help since I have my debit card # memorized)... it still adds up so fast! $20 goes a long way at the dollar store and I got one right across the street. Thanks, you may have saved me some serious financial meltdowns!! -RK

[billieJ]

I stop and think ~ whatever I buy, I am going to have to store it and clean it!

[busiemommie22305]

I have started to ask myself why I want to buy whatever it is. Do I need it? Is it for myself or my child? If it's for myself, can I use to for school/work? Can I wait until I get another payday? If I buy this now and I going to have to money I need to do (fill in the blank) later? Or I do buy whatever it is, I don't allow myself to buy anything else.