The results from a CouponCabin.com survey of over 2000 adults, aged 18 and over, suggest that 11 percent of U.S. adults consider themselves to be “shopaholics,” (i.e. addicted to shopping and never missing an opportunity to buy something). Additionally, 15% of U.S. adults report that their shopping habits have put them in debt, and 63% of U.S. adults believe that the Internet makes it easier to become a shopaholic. About 60% reported being in more than $1,000 in debt due to shopping. Financial troubles, however, were not the only shopping aftershocks. Emotional troubles abounded. Seven percent of the survey participants said that their shopping behavior has harmed personal relationships, and 20% have hidden purchases from family and friends. To read more about the study, click here.
Carrie Rattle is a Principal at BehavioralCents.com, a website for women focused on mind and money behaviors. She has worked in the financial services industry for 20+ years and hopes to inspire women to better prepare themselves for financial independence.