I agree that this is true but so many of the things we buy have no utility. It is the chase that kills us (me included) not that we need some things. There are

I agree that this is true but so many of the things we buy have no utility. It is the chase that kills us (me included) not that we need some things. There are groups that have that mindset to want less, to avoid the chase, like the Amish. (Not that they don't have other problems). I think even simple rules can help though: * If haven't used something in the last year, sell it or get rid of it. * If you want to buy something that costs more than $X, wait a two weeks. If you still want it, wait two more weeks. If you still want it, then buy it. (So much of our spending is impulse). * Don't have cash/cards easily accessible or always on you or "saved" in sites you use. Having hurdles to spend money prevents it for things you don't need. This also means making a grocery list and only taking along enough money to buy what's on your list. * Buy used or thrift. I buy almost all of my clothes on eBay. High quality, name brand stuff that retails for $75-$150 for $15 shipped. This is even more true if you are a less popular size. * etc.....