When you have a crisis and you tend to shop--Have someone who cares and you trust hold your cards and checkbook. If you don't know you do this yet- pay attention to what you buy all the time. Ask if you need it or if you just want it-- are you going to use it this week or are you shopping ahead for oh say next season? If you are making a purchase you don't need or won't use immediately- you probably have a problem. Only you can make that call. The other big spend -- are you eating out more than usual? That is a tough one to make. if you think you are you are gonna gain more weight than money. I decided years ago that if I could reason out the purchase I knew where I was mentally. If I am falling apart at the seams the bank knew first.