Originally Posted by
MissFixit 
What if instead of shopping, you take the money you would spend and set it aside for yourself for "later." You could set up a nice nest egg in an account that appreciates in value vs goods that will be used and depreciate in value.
Well, this IS actually my plan, I just don't do a good job of putting it into action. So far, I've saved enough to pay cash for my lawyer's retainer fees if I ever need her.
I even tell myself: hey, this 20 bucks would be better saved, you'll need the cash in the future, too. I hear it, I talk out loud if necessary, and then I blow it off. I justify just like the alcoholics do and that's why I posted it here. I know it's alcoholic thinking, just a different scenario. The good news is; I'm still a frugal person and I don't spend $500 at a time and I plan my purchases along with sale prices, clearance items, etc. I just know, though, that it's still wasteful. I need to get a handle on it, and soon!