My mother is just literally putting their finances up in soap! Yes I said soap not smoke! She over buys hand soap, 12 per week, dish soap, 3 large bottles a week, she buys 2 gallons of expensive laundry soap per week, a new set of towels per week...on and on and spends $400 per week at the grocery store! There are just the 2 of them! She will not stop. She has exhausted their savings and can't understand why their savings is gone. She now keeps wanting to mortgage their house rather than stop it! How can I make her stop? What is causing her to be this way? I point out to her that she has 15 unopened gallons of laundry soap and do not buy more! She says she needs it! She doesn't need it! What do I do?
And where is she storing these things? If she's been hoarding them, what state is the house in and how much do you have to do with her household routines?
Meanwhile if she has a major source - such as a local grocery store or supermarket where she is a regular customer - ask to see the manager and explain the situation. It may be possible to come to a private, confidential arrangement for returning (unopened, perfect condition) items for a refund.
Silk scarves was another thing she loved! She had to have expensive silk scarves.
But once she asked for a senior discount at Burger King! I swear they have no logic!