Only go food shopping once a week and take a list of exactly what you need. Unless you would have bought that item anyway, they are just an illusion. Leave your credit cards at home and only pay for things in cash. Take a set amount of money with you for your shopping and your nights out. Do not go shopping if you are feeling upset or depressed.
Retail therapy is an illusion.
Instead, face your problems head on. Spending money you do not have only creates more problems. Consider the money you can save cooking meals at home, as opposed to eating out in restaurants or getting a take-away. If you feel like a treat, save for something really exciting rather than regular little treats - this is more rewarding in the long run. The BBC is not responsible for the contents of other sites listed Send your personal finance questions direct to Alvin Hall.