Trick #3 - Slow Yourself Down

When you are actively in the clutches of acquiring, take a few moments to grill yourself. For example:

"Why do I want to buy this?"
"Do I already have one of these?"
"Can I afford this?"
"Who am I trying to impress?"
"Where am I going to put this?"
"What parallel item am I going to pass on if I acquire this?"

These questions will give you time to come to your senses, or at least to have a stern talk with yourself. Be honest with yourself when you answer the questions. If you can.

Some slowdown tips that might be helpful:

• Have fewer credit cards, preferably one.
  If your card gets turned down, give up. You weren't meant to buy that stuff.
  
  
• Pay with cash.
  Cash feels like you're spending more, and so can slow you down if you let it.
  
  
• Don't buy stuff on the Internet.
  Clicking is way too fast. Just don't.
  
  
• Don't buy stuff on the same day you see it.
  If it's not there tomorrow, oh well. You weren't meant to have that stuff.
  
  
• Don't shop with other people who have too much stuff.
  They like the excitement of acquiring as much as you do. In fact, they will egg you on.
  
  
• Avoid garage sales, flea markets, and secondhand stores.
  Don't add another person's extra stuff to yours.
  
  
• Don't nickle and dime yourself.
  Never add stuff to your cart while you're at the checkout stand or while your kids are whining. Small or inexpensive stuff is just as cluttery as big stuff, sometimes moreso.
  
  
• Don't accept free stuff just because it's free.
  If you won't respect or use it, say No Thank You. Even if it's from your mother.
  

If you buy dumb stuff anyway, see Trick #2.