Did you hear about this story?
Betty Jean Barachie of Kunkletown, Pa., was sentenced to 27 months in prison in 2006 for embezzling $1.5 million over eight years from the credit union where she was a branch manager.
She used the money to buy, among many, many other things, hundreds of pairs of shoes, more than 3,000 books, 58 coats, 16 chain saws and a $25,000 John Deere tractor.
What do you think led Betty Jean to do this?
There are many reasons and situations that lead people to shop in excess such as:
- Impulse buying
- No limitations on finances
- Addiction
- Avoidance
- No budget
- Want to make others feel good
- Keep up with the Jones’
Oniomania (from Greek ὤνιος onios “for sale” and μανία mania “insanity”[1]) is the technical term for the compulsive desire to shop.
Compulsive shopping hasn’t been studied to the same extent as other dependencies or addictions. However, some people consider it to be a very serious and widespread problem that can cause grave social, financial, and emotional effects.
I am curious, what do you think…
- Do you think a person who is out of control with their shopping is a shopaholic or do you think they are hoarding?
- Do you think a person who is out of control with their spending is organized or disorganized?
Let’s talk about this and let me share with you what I have experienced first hand in my practice.
