this is going to sound really ridiculous but i have discovered an important key to reigning in spending: unsubscribe from any and all e-mail lists designed to sell me things.  IT'S LIKE A MIRACLE for someone who spends as compulsively as i do.  i also suspect that i am some sort of shopping addict.  when i see something i like i think "hey, that's nice!" the way most people do...but if i discover that this item is even remotely affordable or on sale or something my mind immediately rockets into "i have to have it!" mode.  it's almost absurd. so i cleaned up my e-mail inbox and have discovered that stuff that is out sight is out of mind.

in reading blogs and stuff online i have noticed a growing push toward "minimalism" and anti-spending and anti-materialism.  i'm not sure if this is a reaction to the current economy or what.  i'm not sure i could ever totally buy into a zenned out, minimalist life.  i just uh, have been saving money lately.