The Toy Box Years: I'm A Compulsive Spender/Debtor

The Creators of the Toy Box Years

The creators of the Toy Box Years are my two beautiful daughters and wonderful, handsome soldier husband.

"Nani" (our oldest) is a 11 year old 6th grader who loves Taylor Swift, ballet, books, fashion designing and sewing. Ask her what she wants to be when she grows up and it changes daily to anything from "an artist" to "a teacher" to "a singer/dancer". Nani is also currently fighting a battle against brain cancer -- recently diagnosed in June 2016.

"Nudgie" (our youngest) is a very smiley, very happy, very giggly, very spirited 8 year old 3rd Grader who's favorite toys are anything that gives mommy an anxiety attack - ladders, stepstools, the climbing wall at the playground. Like her sister, she has a love of reading and coloring, loves gymnastics and still provides mommy lots of snuggle time!

"My Marine" is my high school sweetheart. We've been married over 20 years and met when we were 17. (You do the math....) His favorite toys are Blackhawk helicopters, the lawnmower, our steam cleaner, and microbrew beer bottles. My husband is also my hero in that he proudly serves his country as a Blackhawk crew chief (hence his favorite toy!). And need I say that there is nothing hotter than my man in uniform!

All About Me......

Once upon a time I had a career and worked in the corporate world. Once upon a time, I dreamed about leaving that all behind to follow my true calling -- being a wife and mommy.

The first part of my calling was fulfilled in 1995 when I married my Marine (now soldier) and my love. Little did I know that being a military wife would change me in so many ways and that because of that, I would have an extended family all over the world from Japan, to California, to North Carolina.

The second part of my calling took a little doing, but I finally achieved that dream in 2004 with the birth of our first child, followed 4 years later by her baby sister.

So now, when someone asks me what I do for a living - I simply smile and say proudly that I'm following my calling - I'm a mommy and a wife -- and I couldn't be HAPPIER -- I'm living in the Toy Box Years!!

They say that the road to recovery begins when you take that one step and admit that you have a problem. So I'm admitting it -- right here in black and white.

Hello, my name is Jennifer......and I'm a compulsive shopper/debtor.

In some past posts, I have touched on this topic briefly. But I've never come out and shared my deep issues with anyone -- at all. As a way of journaling through my issues with compulsive spending and my debt, I've started a new blog - Money Madness and Me.

I have given myself a personal challenge of journaling my issues, feelings, spending, non-spending, etc. over the next 30 days (and beyond). It is my hope that I can dig down deep and share some very personal issues about my spending and debt. My issues are going to be an open book for all to read. It's a way for me to stretch and grow and even accept the criticism that will come with it.

Compulsive spending seems to be a taboo subject. One that's not viewed as a true addiction. But let me tell you -- it's real. It's very real. My bank statement proves it. My insomnia proves it. My migraines and stomach aches prove it. I'm living proof that it's real.

I hope that you'll come over to my new blog and visit. And if you have a spending story to share, I hope that you feel safe enough to post your own story and know that you are not alone.

2 comments:

Christy Killoran October 19, 2010 at 7:43 PM: I feel your pain. I had a serious problem and was sick to death about it until my husband found out. I can't even tell you how much money I spent and the damage I did to our savings accounts. Luckily, my marriage survived but I am so afraid of money now. I struggle every day. It's the weirdest addiction, but so very real. I will be here for you if you need to talk.
Sara October 21, 2010 at 4:40 PM: I totally understand, I have been there and spent money I know I should have saved... Although it seems hard, budgeting and digging out is possible!

I have been on a budget for the last year or so, I slip up now and again, but for the most part it keeps me in line and I like the structure of it. I'd be happy to send you my excel sheet if you would like to see.

Also, I took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at my church - I cannot recommend it enough. If your church, or one near you offers it - do it. It is SO worth the time and really changed my mindset on budgets, etc... He has books available (I'm sure at the library too) if you want to read up on his advice without the class.