compulsive debting-eek

i found this checklist on anna jones' blog and thought i'd give it a go.

these questions are from debtors anonymous and they can help you determine if you have a spending/debt problem.

1. being unclear about your financial situation. not knowing account balances, monthly expenses, loan interest rates, fees, fines, or contractual obligations. -i've always been good about this. even when i was spending irresponsibly, i knew i was

2. frequently "borrowing" items such as books, pens, or small amounts of money from friends and others, and failing to return them. -nope. never been a problem for me.

3. poor saving habits. not planning for taxes, retirement or other not-recurring but predictable items, and then feeling surprised when they come due; a "live for today, don't worry about tomorrow" attitude." -ehh, sort of. i tend to take money out of savings too much, but i do plan for other expenses.

4. compulsive shopping: being unable to pass up a "good deal"; making impulsive purchases; leaving price tags on clothes so they can be returned; not using items you've purchased. -jackpot.

5. difficulty in meeting basic financial or personal obligations, and/or an inordinate sense of accomplishment when such obligations are met. -not really

6. a different feeling when buying things on credit than when paying cash, a feeling of being in the club, of being accepted, of being grown up. -how about of getting points??!! that's always been my problem, not 'feeling accepted or grown up'

7. living in chaos and drama around money: using one credit card to pay another; bouncing checks; always having a financial crisis to contend with. -no.

8. a tendency to live on the edge: living paycheck to paycheck; taking risks with health and car insurance coverage; writing checks hoping money will appear to cover them. -no.

9. unwarranted inhibition and embarrassment in what should be a normal discussion of money. -nah.

10. overworking or under earning: working extra hours to earn money to pay creditors; using time inefficiently; taking jobs below your skill and education level. -man, i would if i could figure out how to. i'd love to have a tiny side job that would help me pay this debt down. but i don't know many places that are looking for a waitress to only work sunday brunch. let me know if you do!

11. an unwillingness to care for and value yourself: living in self-imposed deprivation; denying your basic needs in order to pay your creditors. -no. but i have cheaped out and avoided the grocery store to buy overpriced shoes-so, kinda.

12. a feeling or hope that someone will take care of you if necessary, so that you won't really get into serious financial trouble, that there will always be someone you can turn to. -no. i've always taken care of myself financially.

images c/o google images

Most compulsive debtors will answer "yes" to at least 8 of the following 15 questions.

1. Are your debts making your home life unhappy? N

2. Does the pressure of your debts distract you from your daily work? N

3. Are your debts affecting your reputation? N

4. Do your debts cause you to think less of yourself? N

5. Have you ever given false information in order to obtain credit? N

6. Have you ever made unrealistic promises to your creditors? N

7. Does the pressure of your debts make you careless of the welfare of your family? N/A

8. Do you ever fear that your employer, family or friends will learn the extent of your total indebtedness? N

9. When faced with a difficult financial situation, does the prospect of borrowing give you an inordinate feeling of relief? N

10. Does the pressure of your debts cause you to have difficulty sleeping? N

11. Has the pressure of your debts ever caused you to consider getting drunk? HA-N

12. Have you ever borrowed money without giving adequate consideration to the rate of interest you are required to pay? Y-when i was young and had no idea what i was doing (student loans).

13. Do you usually expect a negative response when you are subject to a credit investigation? N

14. Have you ever developed a strict regimen for paying off your debts, only to break it under pressure? N-but we shall see.

15. Do you justify your debts by telling yourself that you are superior to the "other" people, and when you get your "break" you'll be out of debt overnight? N-but kinda. not better, just more financially responsible.

phew. i passed. but still, could have had healthier spending habits in the past. but, the past is the past and i'm strollin' through this new lifestyle.

strollin' i tell you!
xoxo ashleycolean