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OnTrack WNC Launches Pilot Group for Chronic Overspenders

Everyone likes to shop.

Well, OK, not everyone, but most people like to shop. It's fun and it helps the economy! We are a nation of consumers. What's not to like?  Nothing, at least for most of us. But for some of us doing a little "retail therapy" is no laughing matter.

Some of us find ourselves buying things we didn't intend to purchase and can't afford. We may have shopping bags of unused merchandise in our closets.  We may watch the mail for credit card statements so that our loved ones won't know just how much debt we have. We may find ourselves compelled to spend money when we are sad or to celebrate a good day.  We may have declared bankruptcy and now find ourselves in trouble once again.

Does this sound like anyone you know? If so, they are not alone.

Recent statistics suggest that 5.8% of American consumers are compulsive buyers.  These figures suggest that there are well over 10,000 compulsive spenders in the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area.  To help better understand the signs that someone may have a spending problem, click here to take a short quiz on spending habits.

OnTrack WNC's Ending OverSpending Group

Ending OverSpending is a pilot psycho-educational group for compulsive spenders.  This ten-week series begins on June 7, 2010 and participant fees are based on a sliding payment scale ranging from $1.00 per week to $30.00 per week, plus a one-time $27.00 material fee.  Some participants' medical insurance plans might cover the cost of this program, but participants will need to file their own claims with their providers.

To register, simply call OnTrack WNC at 828-255-5166 or email Carolyn. Registrants will meet briefly with Carolyn prior to the first session to determine whether Ending OverSpending is a good match for them.

Article written by Carolyn McCarter Wood.

United Way NFCC Council on Accreditation