I have found that when I get myself in the mindset of wanting and needing "Nothing" I spend and waste far less, I try to remind myself "There is enough" and this seems to stop my wasteful spending in it's tracks, the mere idea that "there is enough" is a magical line of thinking that leaves me with a serene feeling of peace, it also quiets my mind and opens new channels for creative thought.

Where money is concerned, I've learned that there is a big difference between NEED and WANT.

My plan is to downsize in a few years so I am starting the process. I have been gradually going thru closets, etc and storing stuff in my garage. Had a successful garage sale and will probably have another in the fall or next spring.

This experience has made me realize how much we accumulate that we never even use. I have become a conscious shopper.

I have down-sized twice - once when I divorced (!) and moved to a smaller place with the boys, and then again by moving after they left for college ( really, I told them that was the plan!).

I went from 5000 sq ft and now to 1800 sq ft. I LOVE IT. BUT, I have to be careful about what I buy because of storage space. I am still going through the boxes I moved 18 months ago. ( a new job got in the way of my organizing at home).

I no longer shop without a specific list. I look through catalogs and mark what I want, but rarely go back and order anything. That way I get the ooohhh look at that feeling, and that I want that feeling - but don't actually act on it! I spend less, and I get exactly what I need off my list , if I DO go shopping.

I still WANT more shoes, but then I have to decide which pair they have to replace and get rid of an old pair!

Ok, the conscious shopper thing does not apply to shoes!

I have learned that there is no such thing as EXTRA money.

i have learned this about money:

when i was young, i always thought i would get ahead.

now i am happy simply to break even.