Readers Respond: Resisting the Urge to Splurge

Thanks for all your helpful responses to our post on resisting the urge to splurge. I definitely employ some of your techniques -- throwing catalogs in the recycling bin immediately and steering clear of the mall in the first place. Here are two more good ideas that we received via e-mail:

Bonnie: I absolutely love books – everything about them – especially a new book – the smell and feel of it. Naturally, I have a home library. I decided to put the books I’ve not read on one shelf – it is full. I have vowed to not buy another until all of those have been read. This is working well except for my new book club’s choice which I did not have. Also, I have a library I can walk to and plan to make use of it when I’ve finished my unread books.

Selena: I employ a trick from "Your Money or Your Life" -- I calculate how many hours I have to work in order to pay for the purchase. When looking at catalogs, I mark the pages and come back later. 99.9% of the time I decide I really don't want the item.

Please keep 'em coming! Leave your strategies in the comments below, e-mail me at muiy[at]washpost.com or find me on Twitter @ylanmui.