I’ve quit shopping. No, not grocery shopping (though I really wish I could) or household goods. I have had to put my general shopaholic/drunk shopping tendencies on hold.  Since the beginning of the year I haven’t purchased any of the unnecessary (but fun) purchases I normally would. No jeans, shoes, boots, blouses, dresses, or even Spanx (gasp! I love all things Spanx).  I’ve blocked all my daily coupon emails from Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. I fight the urge to browse Gilt.com and Fab.com in search of random items that bring me joy when I can expect them at my front door in a few days.

The reason I had to stop spending money on frivolous goods is not to save money (that would be a good reason to continue my disciplined habits). Instead money has been reallocated to a variety of health practitioners and supplements… and some of these folks aren’t covered by insurance and they aren’t cheap.  Continue reading →