It's really simple - draw up a monthly budget and stick to it rigidly. Be careful of frittering your money away on useless things. Also, if you're not careful, you could become a hoarder, cluttering up your house with tat. You seem to know when you're buying just for the sake of buying. Each time you feel that urge, walk away. I love shopping and sometimes when I go to the mall, I leave my handbag behind to avoid temptations.