Shopping is not a sin. There’s just a lot of things women need to be more beautiful–new outfits, new bags and new shoes to go with them. And there’s also a need to constantly upgrade makeup and accessories. However, when shopping habits go out of control it can leave us broke and that’s when it becomes evil. How can girls continue their shopping habits and keep it within reason at the same time?

Never use your credit card. Most self-help books about individual economy will tell you that credit cards should only be used for emergencies. Why not create a separate account for shopping but promising never to touch your other bank accounts? Transfer your account to a lower interest credit card. Pay more than the minimum amount required and try to avoid late charges.

Never buy anything unplanned. You might see something in the store which you just can’t pass on. Walk away from it if you’ve already spent your week’s shopping allowance.

Don’t shop every payday. You don’t have to buy something new every time you have money.

Never borrow money for shopping. If you don’t have anything, you have no right to shop. Save up and shop when you do have money.

Before you go out to shop, withdraw your cash limit and leave the card at home.

Don’t shop until you’ve paid off all your debts.

If you’re buying new stuff, sell your old ones so you can generate extra cash, and at the same time clearing out some of the clutter.

Keep your receipts. Throwing them out immediately will easily rid you of the guilt. Keep them for a little while until all’s accounted for.