[HALLIEBETH87]

The consequences of mania and impulsivity have come again. I have $25 until May 3rd. I could sure use the money I spent on a piercing that I hadn't even planned on getting right about now. Im so stupid. I wish I could control myself when Im hypomanic...I spent a lot of money. I wish I wasn't so damn impulsive. I already had money set aside for a haircut tomorrow and made an appointment so I guess I will keep it. I don't get it cut very often anyhow.

Anyone else get themselves in trouble like I do?I wish I was more in control of my life. Im really trying to be.

[newtothis31]

I'm really sorry to hear, Halliebeth. How much will the haircut be?

I ended up spending 20k on stuff in the span of a month. It really sucks having this credit card debt.

Here are my rules:
1). At the start of the month- I write up a list of anticipated expenses. It includes everything from my daughter's daycare, credit card bills, utilities, rent.
2). When I think I want something- I remind myself that the option will always be there. A better sale is always possible- which is a good reminder when you're out of the hallway.
3). When I do come up with a big item purchase- e.g., I just recently bought a queen sized mattress and bedframe- I make it a point to run the purchase idea by two close friends who know that I over-spend.
4). If needed- I have two friends who I trust and who are willing to hold my credit cards for me.
5). When I am thinking of being impulsive, I remind myself of previous purchases that I know recognize as impulsive and try to take a step back and see if there are similarities. This often involves runnning my purchase idea by friends.
6). If you are going to do something big- promise yourself that you won't do it alone. ask a friend to go with you.

What steps are you taking to be in better control?

[HALLIEBETH87]

The haircut is $20 and Ive had it set aside for it. I only go every 6 weeks or so.

Well...I was once $4,000 in credit card debt but paid it off and haven't had a credit card since. I refuse to get one. But...I use my debit card too much. I will be leaving it at home til May 3 and if I am going out to do something I will get cash from the bank for that amount and take it. Luckily, I have foreseeable expenses til then. Ive already paid all the bills this month. I don't guess I regret the lip piercing but I mourn for the $50 I paid for it. Also I got slightly obsessed with an instrument I wanted during the hypomania weeks ago and sold two instruments and bought a new one. I already mailed the check and hes cashed it. So...here in a month or so I will get it in the mail. *facepalm* I mean...I love it but that's $375 I could have put toward something Im in medical bills.

All well. I cant take it back.

[raspberrytorte]

Sorry to hear about your impulsive spending.

This may sound silly, but have you considered cutting your hair yourself? I'm very frugal and refuse to spend twenty to get my hair cut and I have long hair, so when I want it cut I just put it in two pigtails and hack away and then have my husband check the back to make sure it's even.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Id do a horrible job. :/ I have short and very thin hair. My friend who cuts it puts simple layers to make it appear thicker.

[raspberrytorte]

Oh. I see how that wouldn't work then.

I have really thick hair (hence the having to hack my way through it when I cut it. lol!).

[HALLIEBETH87]

Lol mines sooooooo thin it's pathetic

[Sunnyhunny00]

Know what I do when I just HAVE to spend money? I buy super cheap stuff from eBay. They have belly button rings that are SOOO cute for super cheap. They also have cheaper dresses and stuff all bran new.
I also use a site called miniinthebox. They have very cheap things. Computer stuff, cases, chargers... So many things for cheap.

I can buy 10things and spend only $30. It's the excitement of buying stuff and getting packages in the mail for me. I tell myself nothing over $5 and usually i stick to it.

One time I bought a shirt for $70 from Gucci for my infant daughter at the time. I was ridiculed by family so bad. It ended up with liquid medicine spit out all over it... Stained forever!!

[HALLIEBETH87]

Well starting next month Im gonna do prepaid cards and leave my debit card at home. I don't forsee mania returning soon but who knows.

[Crazy Hitch]

(((((((((((Hallie))))))))))

HANG IN THERE

Ughhh our mania can be a nuisance.

Love you Hallie.

That is all.

[HALLIEBETH87]

Thanks hooli

[Homeira]

Been there and done that. Several times

[cashart10]

I know the feeling lady! Hang in there!

[UCMATH]

My cousin keeps almost all of his money in his savings account so that he can't access it with his debit card when he is manic. He keeps the money he needs for one month of expenses plus $150 extra in his checking account. Savings accounts limit the number of times you can withdraw money each month, and that keeps him from blowing all of his cash.