Wasters/ The ABC's of Getting Out Of Debt (388 hits)
Wasters spend money as an escape. With low self-esteem issues, they use money to purchase things in order to feel better, relieve stress, and escape their problems. In a society where massive and pervasive advertising can easily manipulate behavior, there is nothing like the feel and sense of something new (or so the advertisers would have you believe.) A new car or truck or television or vacation can end the emptiness inside-for a time. When that empty feeling returns there are still bills to pay. Wasters, however will continue spending. With a credit card industry that encourages, indeed programs, people to buy now (for wasters-feel now) and pay later, wasters will sign up for more credit. They will find themselves locked into a life of revolving debt. With low self-esteem they will more often declare bankruptcy and they will more often go back to their unsuccessful money management techniques of short-term retail relief and long-term debt woes. http://www.estherpinkston.com
This is so true and at one time or another, we all have made some "feel-good" purchases. One of the things I have to safe-guard myself against when I experience clinical depression , is to not shop. I do not use credit cards today, Praise Him, but there was a time. I had to break that habit with checks, too. When I experience clinical depression as an individual with Bipolar, it is very tempting to go out and purchase items recklessly and irresponsibly. The added crutch to this mental illness is that when I experience "grandiose" feelings, it is equally important to safe-guard myself against reckless and irresponsible spending. With grandiosity, however, I truly believe I can afford to make those purchases. My safety tip for individuals with Bipolar is to make it a habit to contact somebody close when you feel the early signs of grandiosity. That person should know how to comphiscate your credit cards, checkbook, etc. For me, I stick with buddy shopping if I absolutely must shop while getting the grandisoity under control. As much as possible, I do not leave my house or turn on the pc (online shopping). I do not carry cash either. I cannot imagine life without my debit card. If the funds are not there, my favorite word pops up, "DECLINE!" It may sound childish or unrealistic, but it works for me and others. Sometimes, I think the credit card companies have a secret lists of all Bipolar individuals, too. I'm kidding...but do they?
Today, I wish that everyone commits to stop "wasting."
Wow, Agnes what a comment. I'm thankful for this author because, Hosea 4:6 says, my people are destroyed because of a lack of knowledge". This scripture is personal to me because, lack of knowledge means, lack of knowing or not knowing. Once we realize or can identify a problem then we can seek a solution. Thank You soooo much for sharing that powerful testimony.
Wednesday, August 27th 2008 at 8:28AM
Esther Pinkston
