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Part 1: Why You Shop: Entertainment
Almost every mall operator in this country has recognized they can't be a landlord; they have to be a place-maker. There has to be something besides shopping that either gets people there or keeps people there longer. The result: For many people, shopping is all about a social experience. You meet your friend at the mall because you want to be with her. You buy something together because that's something else you can share.

How to Resist: Delay, delay, delay. When you're shopping for entertainment, you tend to buy because you feel guilty about not buying. How can you spend nothing when your friend is already toting three shopping bags? How can you spend nothing when the salesperson has given you 45 minutes of your time?

To take the edge off, put the items you're considering on hold. If you're still desperate to have them tomorrow, you can always return to the store and buy them. Putting a little distance between yourself and the purchase will help you evaluate it more rationally. And besides, if the item is really for you, it will be there when you come back.

A Debt Diet Journal Exercise
Do you see yourself in the explanation above? Do you think you can resist temptation? Write about it in your Debt Diet Journal on Oprah.com. Here's how:

  • Click on "My Journal." After you've logged in, scroll down to "Start a Debt Diet Journal today."
  • Add images to your page, edit what you've written, or delete entries completely at any time.
  • When you're ready to save your entry, you can choose to keep your journal private, or share what you've written with others.

Read more about the other reasons people spend:
Mood Repair | Habit | Impulse | Compulsive Behavior

Go on to Step 8, Part 2: How to Protect Yourself and Start Saving Now
Please note: This is general information and is not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with your own financial advisor before making any major financial decisions, including investments or changes to your portfolio, and a qualified legal professional before executing any legal documents or taking any legal action. Harpo Productions, Inc., OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Discovery Communications LLC and their affiliated companies and entities are not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your financial or legal decisions.

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