March 31, 2010
Are you addicted to malls?
Dear Mabsi,
I can’t seem to go to the mall without buying something. How do I cure this?
—Miss Mallrat
Mabsi replies:
Not surprisingly, many women have mall-itis because malls are really nice to go to. It takes the place of parks, walks and museums that people in other countries frequent. Our malls are generally cool and clean and with so many things to see and do. "Education" in the latest trends and products is made available. There is always entertainment for all and some are even free. Food choices and price ranges are unbelievable. In some malls, there is even the choice to go to a prayer room for some quiet when one is tired of complete distraction.
Yes, the art of putting up a mall specifically for the Filipinos has really been perfected so it is not at all surprising for women to want to go and spend time and money there.
Actually, unless you live right beside the mall, you already spend money just going there!
1. Transportation. Even if you did have a car, don’t forget the gas and depreciation going through the traffic.
2. Time. I guess you have the time to waste, which is why you want to go to the mall.
3. Dressing up. That is, if you are the type who wants to look good even when at the mall. Actually, it is a good idea to look properly dressed in the mall so the sales people pay better attention to you when you enter the store. Bear in mind, though, that there is no haggling in most mall stores.
4. Food. Even if you do bring your own baon, you are bound to buy something to eat. This is where I have the greatest temptation. I really don’t like shopping but when I am in the mall, I love to try the different food stalls.
5. Entertainment. Well, other than the movies, there are the internet cafes if you don’t have internet at home and the video games. But I notice that mostly men and children play video games.
That said, I would divide women in these categories:
• The Shopaholic. She can’t live without going to the mall to actually buy stuff.
• The Window Shopper. She loves to look and look and occasionally buy.
• The By-the-way Shopper. She goes to the mall for something and ends up buying more.
• The Practical Shopper. She goes to mall only when she has an objective for doing so and sticks to the plan.
Happily for my husband, I would fall in the last two categories and when I buy more, it will probably be food!
So how to cure mall-itis? Try these tips:
• If you have to go, make sure you eat a heavy meal before going and leave the mall before you get hungry.
• Do not own a credit card or debit card at all! If you have only a little cash, you cannot buy much.
• Look at how cluttered your home is. It is nice to live in a clean, uncluttered place.
• Learn new skills like painting, flower decoration, cooking, even financial literacy, etc. This could even create income opportunities for you.
• Do not pass on your sickness to your children! Remember, they are looking at you as their best role model. This might be a good incentive for you to change.
• Commit to putting the money you would normally spend into an investment fund. Remember that even Php33 per day can reach anywhere from Php200,000 to Php344,000 in 10 years, Php724,000 to Php2.5 million in 20 years, and Php2.1 million to Php15.7 million in 30 years! If you don’t believe, come to our Pisobilities Seminar. The next one is on April 24, Saturday. Call (632) 637-3731 or (632) 637-3741 for more information.
Finally, look at what "alcoholics" do to get out of their vice.
• They seek professional advice. Seriously, if your problem is really uncontrollable, you may want to consult a psychologist.
• They seek support from those with the same strong objective of change. Find a friend/friends who are willing to be with you but make sure they have strong willpower not to be the source of temptation later.
• They have to completely give up alcohol until the urge is no longer there. Do not go to the mall. Be so very busy with other things to do.
• They avoid places and persons who will deter them from. Give up the friends who tempt you until you have gotten out of your urge.
I know it sounds so easier than it actually is but it is really your life and there are options other than malls.
Mary Anne B. Colaco is a happy wife, fulfilled mother of three beautiful ladies, helpful mother-in-law of two handsome gentlemen, doting grandmother of two adorable girls and the diligent President of Colayco Foundation for Education (CFE). For over 40 years, Mabsi, short for MAB-C, was in executive-level finance-related positions, as well as general management positions in Ayala Corporation subsidiaries (then, Pure Foods and Globe Telecom among others) and also served as a Commissioner of the Energy Regulatory Commission.
She joins her husband, author-entrepreneur Francisco J. Colayco in their common advocacy of teaching financial literacy to income-earning Filipinos. Herword.com draws from Mabsi’s wealth of life experiences in giving advice on personal money management.
If you have any questions about personal finance, e-mail feedback@herword.com.
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