6 Money-Saving Resolutions for Shopaholics

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New Year's resolutions aren't all about depriving ourselves of something we love. They also can be about hope: Hope we can live a better life. Research has shown we get a powerful boost in mood by simply making a New Year's resolution. We get an even bigger boost by keeping those resolutions.

Rather than simply resolving to save money by not shopping so much, set out a clear plan to help you keep that resolution, including rewards for saving money at various intervals. Coupon Sherpa offers six different ways to reduce your shopaholic tendencies without making life miserable.

1. Wear extremely uncomfortable shoes
The pain from stilettos or one-size-to-small shoes should shorten shopping trips for non-essentials. When heading out for clothes shopping, wear clothes that are difficult to remove so you'll be less likely to try on that adorable sweater.

2. Take a friend or husband
Instruct your shopping partner to remind you another pair of shoes is EXACTLY what you don't need. You probably wont have to give your husband such instructions.

3. Find another form of entertainment
Too many shopaholics head to the mall when bored. Work in your garden, clean the house or visit the library when the urge to shop comes upon you.

4. Don't take your wallet
You'll need your driver's license, of course, but remove the cash and credit cards (that includes your debit card) when you head out to shop.

5. Go on a diet
Eliminate the majority of sugars from your diet (including daily lattes) to save money at the grocery store. You don't have to be a saint. Studies show sugar cravings can greatly be decreased by allowing yourself a small serving of sugar, rather than trying to entirely cutting it out of your diet and ending up on a sugar binge. I find one M&M per day does the trick and I savor the flavor more.

6. Set goals
Promise yourself one special treat if you stick to the rest of your resolutions for three or six months. It might be a pair of boots, new purse or sugar splurge. Just don't spend all that you've saved on that one treat.