How can I train myself to stick to my budget & grocery list, & not buy things I don't need?

Question

Every time I shop @ WalMart, I always buy more than I came there for. That's the most affordable place for me to buy my toiletries, household cleaning items, etc. & I always come out the store with WAY more than I was supposed to buy.

I suffer OCD, & I feel the need to buy almost EVERYTHING in sight. Every time I go shopping, I get an anxiety attack, whether I stick to my budget or not.

Answer 1

I agree with the person who said to make a list and not deviate. But in your case I'd go a step further.

Make a list and bring only enough cash to buy the things on that list, maybe 5-10 dollars more the first few times until you know exactly how much you'll need.

You must learn to only carry as much cash as you need, and not to carry extra cash, around if you are out.

Do not carry a debit card. Do not carry a credit card. You especially will need to be wary of credit all your life, if you truly cannot control your spending urges, credit is the worst thing you can have available to you.

So work only with as much cash as you need, and consult an expert for help with the OCD. I can't imagine it's much fun, and there may be techniques to help alleviate the symptoms.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Make a list of what you need to purchase. Carry only a small amount of cash - NO credit card (I'd put those through the shredder if I were you) and keep a good eye on your budget and finances. Rent, utilities and food come first, the rest is somewhat of supplemental buy as you need, like toothpaste and the like).

Answer 3

well first off if your having an anxiety attack I think you need to see someone about that. Maybe a doctor can give you something to calm you down. You should be able to sit down and make a menu plan and a list of other stuff like toiletries then go to the store and buy only what you need and get out. It works for me. I have a extremely tight budget so i get what i need till it adds up to a certain dollar about say 100 dollars then i get out.Also try generics. I love generic food. Not a big fan of generic toiletries. except maybe members mark paper towels, and sauve products and equate body wash.

Answer 4

No biggie really.  Make a list and DO NOT deviate.  If it isn't on the list then you are not allowed to buy it.  Also take cash and leave the card at home.  Take enough so that it will cover exactly what is on the list.

Also, try the 99 cent store.  We have really nice & huge ones here in Phoenix and they are great to get cleaning supplies at.

Answer 5

Only take the amount of money you need for groceries. And go there first so after you bought food, you can't buy anything else.  

Answer 6

Try just taking along enough money to buy what's on your list.

Answer 7

tazer gun yourself

Answer 8

Best thing for you to do is sit AT HOME and write a list of items you NEED.  Then when you hit the store just buy what is on that list, use your OCD in a way that will prevent you from adding to the list.  Good luck

Answer 9

List List List!

make a LIST of what you need to buy, and ONLY buy what you have on the list.