What got me in debt?

Yes, I know spending more than I made is what got me in debt. But, what was the reason behind that spending.



I'm not a compulsive shopper, I don't do drugs, I don't drink, and I don't gamble. So what did I spend all my money on. I have one word for you, FOOD. I used (and still do at times, but not nearly as much) food to stuff emotions. My particular weakness was/is fast food. McDonald's, KFC, Taco Bell, McDonald's, Burger King, and McDonald's. Yes, McDonald's is a HUGE HUGE HUGE weakness for me. I even worked there and was not turned off by all the grease. Hmmm, I just thought of something. McDonald's was a very special treat when I was growing up. McDonald's is where my dad and I went a week or two before he died (it was VERY rare to even talk to him as he worked two jobs and spent the rest of his time at the casino). I always paid rent and made sure I had transportation (had to get to the drive-thru and work somehow) but beyond that everything else was negotiable and food usually won out. I usually didn't pay other stuff until it reached a crisis point, such as the electricity getting turned off (only happened once but came close many other times). There were times I would get breakfast at McD's. Then for lunch I'd get Taco Bell. Then my friend would call and we'd go to the Chinese buffet. Then there was supper. This was not an unusual scenario.



I'd spend so much money on food that I didn't want to face the music and I never looked at my bank balance. I kept a mental note of my balance, but in the fried food induced haze I usually made a miscalculation and ended up paying through the nose in overdraft fees. So I got stressed and you know what happened next....



Even when I've been unemployed I've risked everything for that next french fry or double cheese burger or sausage mcmuffin with egg. I know I've pledged to not spend money on anything that is uneccessary but at times I'm so good at rationalizing. Now, it is MUCH better than it used to be, but it's still a huge struggle. I'm down to once or twice a week instead of twice a day (or more).