I’ve found that it’s better to write a diary/calendar entry for non-essential purchases one month in the future. If I still need the item in a month’s time (having researched the market, discussed it with my wife, etc), only then will I buy it. It rarely happens!

OK, there’s a chance that I may lose out financially if a heavily discounted, “once in a lifetime” item reverts to it’s normal price, but I can live with the disappointment

[...] Last week was our 6th week in Dave Ramsey’s “Financial Peace University“. Week 6 talked about being an informed consumer, and not falling prey to the tactics retailers use to get you to buy. Some important points: [...]