[MrQ1701]

Originally Posted by jerhanner

Ask yourself why you feel the need to buy things. Are you lonely? Bored?

This is the best advice, in my opinion, so far. Cutting credit cards or closing pay pal accounts are likely to fail as solutions. They can always be re-opened (plus they may come handy when you actually NEED them).

JLA- You need to address the cause of your spending urges. You have already stated that you find ways around your current methods. Do you cruise the internet and find things to buy, things you never considered purchasing before you saw them online? Or do you have a long list of things you wish you had and then you go out and buy them online? I think those are two different problems. I find myself having a mental list of items and then I go out and buy them when I have extra money. That is why I have a hard time saving money. I already know I want to replace my lost Benchmade knife ($190). I want to get a PS3. I want a new home theater audio system to replace my 14 year old Dolby Pro-Logic Aiwa system. I could go on and on regarding all the Trek related things I want (a "real" Bat'leth for one!). I have gotten much better in recent times because I realize I don't NEED these things. I have managed to pay down debt and to save a little. I still WANT these things and will eventually buy them, but for now I can wait.

Perhaps staying off the computer and doing other things may help lower your urge to spend? I know that is just another avoidance tactic and may have limited or short lived results, but it is worth a shot. You may even see a counselor or psychologist to help you come up with ways to strengthen your will power and to find the cause of your urges.