"The List"

Like many people I know I have a tendency to buy on impulse. Sometimes it's a 20$ item, but I've done it too with items more towards $1000. Recently I decided I wanted to start DJing parties, so I researched online and ended up with 2 CD players costing me around $850.

$850. To play some parties. I already have a fully capable laptop (and it's actually easier to use). I've since decided to get rid of these players (anyone wanting 2 lightly used Denon DNS-1000 cd players? I'm looking for $650 for the pair, a great deal ;).

As a software designer I often fix problems in two ways - the first is to fix the problem directly, the second is to fix the problem that allowed the first problem to occur. Applying that logic to this purchase, I solved the direct problem by (hopefully) selling the cd players. But to prevent it to happen, I invented... "The List".

What is the list? It's simple. Any time I want to purchase something over $100, it must first sit on a list of things I want for a full 30 days. This gives me 30 days to stare at the item, dream of holding it, and also stare at the price tag for the item and see it floating away in the sky. By 30 days if I still want it, I can purchase it. If I decide mid-term I don't want it, hey I just saved myself all that money.

There's some exceptions obviously: anything that is a life necessity (car breaks down, etc.. doesn't require the list), and anything that is a fleeting deal (cheap vintage synthesizer on craigslist for example) do not need the to sit on the list.

But otherwise, this should stop some frivolous buying.