The headlines are screaming that America is more addicted to debt than crack. Then there are people out there who actually have a psycophysical need to spend spend spend. Are you one of them? Is your partner or friend? These are the 12 warning signs to watch out for…

12. UNCLEAR ABOUT YOUR FINANCES
Not knowing account balances, monthly expenses, loan interest rates, fees, fines, or contractual obligations.

11. ALWAYS “BORROWING” STUFF
Such as books, pens, or small amounts of money from friends and others, and failing to return them.

10. Poor saving habits
Not planning for taxes, retirement or other not-recurring but predictable items, and then feeling surprised when they come due; a “live for today, don’t worry about tomorrow” attitude.”

9. SHOP TILL YOU DROP
“Good deals” are literally irresistible; making impulsive purchases; leaving price tags on clothes so they can be returned; not using items you’ve purchased.

8. HARD TO MAKE BASIC FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
or personal ones, and/or an inordinate sense of accomplishment when such obligations are met.

7. BUYING ON CREDIT FEELS DIFFERENT
than when paying cash, a feeling of being in the club, of being accepted, of being grown up.

6. LIVING IN DRAMA ABOUT YOUR DOLLAR
Using one credit card to pay another; bouncing checks; always having a financial crisis to contend with.

5. LIVING ON THE EDGE
Living paycheck to paycheck; taking risks with health and car insurance coverage; writing checks hoping money will appear to cover them.

4. INORDINATELY INHIBITED AND EMBARRASSED
in what should be a normal discussion of money.

3. OVERWORKING OR UNDEREARNING
Working extra hours to earn money to pay creditors; using time inefficiently; taking jobs below your skill and education level.

2. RELUCTANT TO CARE AND VALUE YOURSELF
Living in self-imposed deprivation; denying your basic needs in order to pay your creditors.

1. HOPING THAT A WHITE KNIGHT IS JUST GOING TO SWOOP IN AND SAVE YOUR BROKE ASS
A feeling or hope that someone will take care of you if necessary, so that you won’t really get into serious financial trouble, that there will always be someone you can turn to.

How did you do? Remember, these are all a question of degree. If you can say definitely, yes, that’s me, to seven or more of these, you could have a serious problem.

Signs of Compulsive Debting [Debtor’s Anonymous]

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