I need help

[ObsessiveProgression]

Ok guys, I have only been on the forums for a couple weeks, and Im sure everyone knows by now that Im a kidder. But Im not kidding about this.

Perhaps there should be another forum on this site to help those people ( like myself ) who spend way too much money on this hobby.

I'm not suggesting we try to turn people away from keeping reef tanks..... just advise moderation. For instance, I made $1300 this paycheck, and I spent $1000 of it on this hobby. That still left me with enough for rent and enough to live on ( $1.00 whoppers are a freaking godsend ). But even I know that I spend WAAYY too much on this stuff.

And it doesnt help that all of my friends and my girlfriend keep saying "WOW, THAT IS SOOOOO COOL!!". They all support me in this, but I think that is the LAST thing I need right now.

Last night I looked at my tanks and cried because they were so beautiful. But then I went to bed and cried into my pillow because I was 100% broke...... AGAIN.

Thats all. I think I need some sort of support group.

[motorslave]

Welcome to the reality! Youre not the only one! I think any of us who have gotten into this with any commitment have and do go through it! Good luck!
Hey Taco Bell has a pretty cheap menu also!

Robert

[Hi-Rise Reefer]

Two words: Ramen Noodles

[ObsessiveProgression]

Lol

[tims]

JIm has started a reef-acholics group!

[JennM]

We've probably all been there... I spent $70 on a fish and ate mac and cheese for a month. My mother thought we were nuts (like that was news?!).

Still... compulsive shopping can be a real problem - whether it be for reef tank stuff, or shoes. If your spending on something is excessive, or to the detriment of your lifestyle (ramen noodles notwithstanding ), then you may need some intervention.

If you really believe you have a problem - and I think you do, you might want to check and see if there's a local chapter of Shoppers Anonymous near you -- or any other 12 step.

Shopping sprees can also be a symptom of bipolar disorder. I've got one client in particular who shops like mad when he has a manic episode - he used to have 1000 gallon and 1200 gallon tanks so his sprees were collossal. I asked him once if I should have made him stop... he said it wouldn't have mattered, he'd have told me to "get stuffed" and he'd have gone someplace else... at least I guided him to smarter purchases.. I did not know at the time he had bipolar disorder.... but I do now -- and he doesn't go on sprees anymore, his condition is better managed now....

But I digress... if you feel that you are spending more than what's in your comfort zone, you need to get some support.

This hobby is supposed to be fun, not a detriment.

HTH

Jenn

[ObsessiveProgression]

Its SOOOO hard...... I walk into a one of my several LFS's with the intention of just "Browsing for future reference" and I walk out with $1000 worth of merchandise.

I think Im just sick in the head.

[Alice]

If you aren't bipolar and don't have a shopping disorder, try this: Make a list of animals that interest you, then research every one of them. Take the list with you when you go to the LFS. Leave your credit/debit card at home and only take what you can afford to spend. If you see something on the list and know you can care for it, buy it. If you see something new, add it to the list and research it when you get home. Make sure you buy the food and supplies you need on the same trip, so there aren't any tempting extra trips to the LFS.

It's pretty much the same method I use when I go shopping for anything.

[ObsessiveProgression]

If I see something I want but cant afford with my self-given "Allowance", Ill jump in the jeep, take off home, break into my piggy bank and go back with more money.

If I dont, I WONT be able to sleep that night.... I know, Ive done it before.

Maybe Ill start taking a bottle of valium with me when i go to the LFS. If I REALLY want something, then Ill pop 4 or 5 valium. And if, in an hour or so, I still want it, THEN Ill buy it.