Oprah's Debt Diet: Step 8, Part 1: Why Do You Shop? Self-Assessment

Step 1: How Much Debt Do You Really Have?

Chart Your Debt

Get Your Credit Score

Prioritize Payments

Step 2: Track Your Spending and Find Extra Money to Pay Down Debt

Find Your Latte Factor®

Use the Latte Factor® Calculator

Step 3: Learn to Play the Credit Card Game

Pay More than the Minimum Payments

Lower Your Interest Rates

Four Tricks of the Credit Card Companies

Which Credit Cards to Tackle First

Step 4: Stop Spending

Step 5: Create a Monthly Spending Plan

The Monthly Spending Plan Worksheet and Pie Chart

Use the Monthly Spending Plan Calculator

Assign Paychecks to Expenses

Step 6: Take Big Steps to Grow Your Income

Facing Hard Choices

Selling Assets

Earning More Money

Step 7: Prioritize Your Debts and Raise Your Credit Score

Prioritizing Your Debts

Raising Your Credit Score

Step 8: Understand Your Spending Issues…and Save!

Why Do You Shop? Self-Assessment Quiz

How to Protect Yourself and Start Saving

Choose a Topic

Budgets and Tracking Expenses
Buying or Selling a Home

Credit Cards

Financial Planning and Investing
Credit Reports and Scores

Savings and Retirement

Loans

Meet the Experts

David Bach

Glinda Bridgforth

Jean Chatzky

People Who Saved Big Money

Share Your Stories on the Message Boards

Before and After Oprah's Debt Diet

The Bradleys

The Egglestons

The Widlunds

Watch Video Highlights

Buy Oprah's Debt Diet DVD

Step 8: Understand Your Spending Issues…and Save!
Part 1: Why Do You Shop? Self-Assessment

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We're big believers in understanding why you behave in a certain way. As Oprah says, "Way too many of us are walking through life unconsciously." We shop, we spend, we pay the consequences later—yet we don't exactly understand why we do it.

Take this self-assessment and get to the heart of why you are spending money. It will help you get a grip on your spending in the future and make sure this Debt Diet becomes not just a short-term fix, but a way of life.

Which description best describes your mood when you are shopping?

	I am with my family or friends and having a good time.
	I feel empty, alone, or like I need to buy something to make myself feel better.
	I am wasting time and buy something just because it's there.
	I am thinking about something else and buy things I never planned on buying.
	I get a rush and feel out of control, but I can't stop myself.

Please note: This is general advice. You should consult with your own financial advisor before making any major financial decisions, including investments or changes to your portfolio. Harpo is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your financial decisions.