recreatingreality.com

Let’s say that you have made the decision to eliminate your credit card debt starting with negotiating down the interest rates charged, paying more than the minimum payment each month, and finally negotiating a settlement on some of the cards. 

Are you going to feel deprived when you walk into the mall and decide that at this time you cannot afford the dress in the store window?  Chances are you will.  Chances are you will be tempted to pull out a credit card and make the purchase.  It will be a test of your will power, self-discipline, and desire to be debt free.  It won’t be easy.  I’ve been there.

Do whatever it takes to overcome the urge to pull out the credit card.  My suggestion is that you make it a point to never buy anything on impulse… the first time you see it.  If it is a dress at the mall it will be there tomorrow if you decide you can’t live without it.  Make it a habit of giving yourself 24 hours to think about any purchase before you make it.  Chances are you will get home, think about the dress, think about being debt free and find a dress in your closet that will look brand new if you add a little jewelry or a scarf.

One of the best things I did when I made the commitment to stop shopping was to go home and pull everything out of my closet, even those pieces that were hanging in the very back that I had not thought about in months.  I opened the drawers that held my scarves and opened the jewelry box.  It was amazing!  I created outfits that I had never conceived.  In fact, the year I gave up credit cards I bought two new dresses and two pairs of shoes.  And, I felt as well dressed that year as I have ever felt.

Stop feeling sorry for yourself.  You will survive and develop a little creative flare along the way.  Just keep thinking about the cash in your savings account.  It is growing.