Spendster.org

We’ve all been there: gotten up in the morning and thought “What have I done?” But the excess that’s hurting you isn’t from drinking too much, it’s from spending too much.

If you find yourself suffering from a retail hangover, here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help you get back on track.

• DO prioritize: Often, we fall prey to retailer’s persuasive displays and instead of buying only what we need, we end up with a cart full of all kinds of other stuff. Before you head out to the store, make a list and keep to it. When you get home, look at your list again and return anything you bought that wasn’t on it.

• DON’T remove the tags: They’re itchy and scratchy and poke you in weird places, but resist the urge to rip off the tags until you’re sure you are going to keep the item. Only stores with the most generous return policies will consider a return without original tags.

• DO wait 30 minutes before making a purchase. Sometimes if you leave it, you might not want to go back to buy it.

• DON’T make it easy: Take only the cash you need for the day. Leave your credit cards at home and freeze them if you must. Tell a friend about your situation and empower him or her to tell you “no” when you feel the urge to spend needlessly.

• DO return it: If it’s a recent offense, dig out your receipt (tip: keep all receipts in a designated pocket of your purse or checkbook for easy recovery) and head straight back to the store. Sometimes, in the light of a new day, that trendy winter coat doesn’t look as pretty as the $400 you spent on it. Get it out of your closet immediately. If you feel that you’re unable to return to the “scene of the crime” without either spending more or exchanging for a lower-priced item, ask a spouse or friend to run the errand for you.

• DON’T pretend it never happened. Denial is a very powerful tool, but admitting your spending mistakes allows you the insight to not repeat them. Visit a Web site like Spendster.org for some cathartic reflection. While you’re there, learn from other people that have posted their splurges.

• DO look to prevent future binges. The National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®) - the nonprofit foundation that brought you Spendster - also has another site with tons of great, relevant personal finance information to help you avoid future shopping mistakes. Check it out at www.SmartAboutMoney.org.

Contributed by: LitterLady