I think you need to cancel your credit cards now. You're done. You need to remove your ability to use them. You know that the impulse to buy is too strong; remove your means of doing so.
Unsubscribe all shopping-related emails. Those that can't be unsubscribed, set to go to your spam folder.
For perspective:
I like looking nice and wearing pretty dresses. I haven't bought any clothing (except new underpants) since probably last December. These things can go together. You are an adult; you are not getting taller anymore, so the clothes you have will fit you until they are worn out or unless your weight swings.
So, your instructions:
- Cancel all credit cards.
- Until all debt over 4% is paid off, cut 401(k) contributions to whatever it takes to get any employer match.
- Pay minimums on all CCs and student loan debt. Then with all extra money:
+ First, put it toward the CC with the highest rate. Once that is paid off...
+ Put it to the CC with the next-highest rate. After all CCs are paid off...
+ Put it to student loans to pay off that 6.7% loan. Once that is gone...
+ Start maxing out your 401(k) again and put extra money toward killing off first the variable interest rate loan and then the remaining lower-interest student loan. Max out your HSA as well. It is a great way to minimize taxes, and it looks like your contribution is short of the max. Build up more non-401(k) savings. You need a cushion in case something goes wrong with your job (and taking a 401(k) withdrawal is not the right solution). $2500 is less than two months' rent for you, so you would be in trouble quickly if your employer went Enron.
- Cook yourself supper, and stop relying on the cafeteria and restaurants. You can slowly build a repertoire of recipes that taste great and can carry over to multiple meals. Try
www.budgetbytes.com .
- Start filling your time with library trips and reading the many good self-help books that the other posters recommend.
- Check out the addiction groups that other posters have recommended.
- Start REALLY tracking your money. This is important. You may find a lot more holes it your spending than you thought. Many posters here like
Mint.com and
https://www.youneedabudget.com/. I like my Excel spreadsheet.
- Figure out what is missing in your life. (Again, agree with other posters.) My guess (based on very little info): You are lonely. You mention that you don't go out that often. I'm wondering if you mean you don't go out at all (just to friends' apartments to hang out or anything) except for the $60 outings once or twice a month. You don't mention an SO or roomie or friends or family members criticizing your collection and habits.
It's scary how closely your post and thought-processes seem to mirror the main character of the chick-lit novel "Shopaholic" by Sophie Kinsella. It was uncomfortable to read it and see the main character make all the wrong choices.