[moremi]

No receipts, tags torn off. Dont remember much it was more like a dream world. I shopped and shopped until I couldnt shop anymore. Bank gave me access to next months money too. Why would they do that> they know what I do everytime>>>> i dont understand why i cant stop myself. I am really ashamed.

[moremi]

Those store see me coming a mile away. They love it...

I'm really sorry Moremi,

How does your bank give you access to next months money? Is there a way yo could change this setup? I have a big shopping problem too when I am manic, well even when I'm depressed sometimes. I have limited income because I am on disability, but that does mean if I do any damage I will suffer the consequences because my income is pretty low to begin with.

I use cash only. And I keep it all on me, not in my account, sounds like a bad idea for some people but it works for me. I need to have that visual. It's a lot harder to hand over paper money than a plastic card, for me. And I always know exactly how much money I have, and spent. I have no credit cards or other means of spending either. So that way I cannot rack up any debt. As soon as I get paid I pay all my bills immediately, get groceries ect. I only get paid once a month so I really have to balance it out well. This works for me pretty good.

Is there some kind of system you could make for yourself that would make spending difficult? I hope you can find a way because we all know the aftermath is painful to deal with.

[BuggsBunny]

Oh, Moremi! You can't stop yourself because mania is also an impulse control problem, and some of us, me included, get a high out of shopping. It's rewarding - immediate gratification - and you feel a sense of freedom buying those things you deny yourself the rest of the time.

Talk to your bank and ask them to limit your overdraft to a certain amount of money. Mine gives me a $500 overdraft, which is more than half my income. More like 2/3rds. I need to do the same thing, and ask them them to limit my overdraft to $100. That's about all I have each month for extras (clothes, shoes, birthday gifts, etc.) I think I'd rather bounce the check than use up 500 of next month's money!

Let's both of us try this and see if it helps. Meanwhile, hugs and warm fuzzies coming your way.

[BlackPup]

Sorry to hear that. Shopping can be a really bad thing can you change your set up so you can't spend next months money? Try not to beat yourself up because you can't help the mania. Hope you can fix up things so you have enough to get by.

[SunAngel]

Typical for Mania. So many of us do the "Retail Therapy" thing while manic. When I am really manic and don't want to screw up our finances, I give my husband my credit card. I see so many things online that I want at the time, and when I get them after I have calmed down a lot, I realize that I did not need those items.

I don't have enough cash on hand to by much so my "Retail Therapy" days are over unfortunately, and it drives me nuts when I cannot buy anything while in a hypo or manic state.

[moremi]

I on disability too. They deposit it in my bank account every month so my bank allows me an advance on 1000 of it every month. Idk how to change it or change me. I gotta learn. I guess i need to give shawn all my access to my money so i cant do it again.

[BusyMomma2]

In so sorry. I never don't remember but it seems like a much better idea at the time. That must be really terrible. I'm so sorry.

I thibk I about convinced my husband I needed a new car last night even though I drove mine off show room floor in August. I wish he filtered me more.

[BuggsBunny]

Giving Shawn your credit cards and checkbook while manic are probably a very good idea. Can you manage cash? I know I have a very hard time handling cash when I am in town or at a store. If it's in my purse, it's fair game. But at least I can't shop on line or on TV with it. But if you CAN handle it, then getting cash and not having access to your checkbook to spend next month's money would probably be a good solution.

Otherwise, you have to go to the bank, talk to an account rep, and ask them to limit or cancel your overdraft amount. I Don't know if it's possible, but it is worth a try.

Meanwhile, try and not beat yourself up over this. It's spring and we all go a little manic in the spring.

[Confusedinomicon]

I like Buggs idea. I manage money better when I don't have my card and I'm forced to use 40ish dollars a week for extra-stuff. (Like eating out) It is really hard to budget but possible.

I recently got my card back and have been spending too much, too. I'm going to have to give it up again. :\

[venusss]

Set limits on your cards. I have weekly limit. In some banks you have to set two or three limits (paying with credit card and internet and ATMs), so make sure you get it covered.

AND put yer cards away and have cash available. If you "need" to go out shopping, go with limited cash.