Hiding purchases may seem like a good way to avoid awkward questions, especially if you’re also wondering why you bought something and don’t want to have to explain it. But shopping this way on a regular basis can add up to a huge annual bill and potentially unmanageable debt levels.
Start tackling the situation as soon as possible, whether your problem is the purchases you’re making, the resulting debt problems or both.
To stop stealth shopping in its tracks, leave your credit card at home when out window-shopping with friends or distract yourself with another activity when temptation strikes. When shopping online, avoid letting sites save your credit card details, as this can increase your chances of making late-night purchases you may regret the next day.
To tackle mounting debts, retrieve all your bills and calculate how much you owe in total. This will form the basis of a realistic repayment plan. You may need to start by speaking to your bank about a better loan rate and cutting up multiple credit cards to avoid further debt.
Source: http://www.theage.com.au/money/well-heeled/avoid-the-aftermath-of-a-stealth-attack-20130518-2jt6a.html
