North London Mother Reveals £18,000 Shopping Addiction: Prioritised Clothes Over Son’s Nappies

A mother from North London has found herself grappling with a significant shopping addiction, which has led her to accumulate an eye-watering debt of £18,000. Rhapsody Gonzalez, 38, admits to spending between £600 and £1,000 monthly on luxury items through Klarna, diverting funds that could have been used for essential baby supplies like nappies and formula for her two-year-old son. Following the birth of her child and a diagnosis of PTSD, Rhapsody described feeling “lost,” which ultimately fueled her compulsive spending habits.

The Beginning of a Spending Spiral

Rhapsody’s financial troubles began with a £4,000 loan, which she initially took out to support her shopping habits. It wasn’t long before she discovered Klarna, leading her to take out an additional £2,000 loan for a new wardrobe, spurred by aspirations of becoming a fashion influencer on social media. Her obsession grew, culminating in an extensive collection of 170 pairs of shoes amassed since her teenage years. The situation escalated when she purchased two online creator courses, accruing further debt of £7,000 and £2,000, compounded by a staggering tax bill of £6,945 in 2025, bringing her total liabilities to £18,375.

Reflecting on her early experiences with spending, Rhapsody noted that her habits took root when she started earning money at the age of 18. She recalled how eBay bidding ignited her compulsive behaviour, comparing it to gambling as she struggled emotionally with losing bids and the ensuing disappointment. “After I had my son, I found it difficult to afford essentials because I had spent everything on my clothes,” she explained. “My partner also had debts as he covered all the household bills, preventing me from confiding in him.” Even her mother was unaware of the extent of Rhapsody’s financial struggles, as she would mask her needs by claiming she required money for shopping.

A Realisation and a Turning Point

It was a conversation with a friend in December 2025 that catalysed Rhapsody’s awakening. Learning that her friend was also in credit card debt made her realise she was not alone in her struggles. This prompted her to evaluate her finances, leading to the shocking discovery of her £18,000 debt. Determined to make amends, Rhapsody embarked on a repayment journey, starting by selling her clothes online.

Her love for fashion emerged early, with a college allowance spent on vintage finds and subsequent part-time roles in retail at places such as Topshop and Urban Outfitters. It was during this time that she experienced her first luxury purchase—a pair of Balenciaga trainers for over £600—prompting her to spend 90% of her paycheque on payday. With only £315 left to clear on her Klarna debt, she now faces an additional £5,000 in credit card debt with a Virgin money transfer card.

Steps Towards Financial Recovery

Rhapsody has already made strides in her debt repayment, having cleared £1,000 by selling £600 worth of clothing on Vinted. Alongside this, she is exploring the possibility of creating an e-product and is actively seeking a second job. Despite a setback in April, she has since secured extended credit by switching to a Virgin bank account, which offers two years of interest-free repayment. To further minimise expenses, Rhapsody has committed to a “no-buy” year, although she acknowledges that she had already cut back on other luxuries, like an expensive skincare routine.

“Browsing clothes brings me comfort,” she shared. “When I’m anxious, it lifts my spirits, but the guilt only sets in once I’ve made a purchase.” Rhapsody highlights that while society often discusses addictions such as substance abuse and gambling, shopping addiction remains largely unrecognised. “It’s a hidden struggle; you can easily buy luxury items without anyone knowing. I’ve also realised that many of us tend to hoard our purchases,” she added, revealing a deeper understanding of her situation.