Clothing's not my gazingus pin, so not sure if this would work for you. I'm kind of using the second method for my books right now -- if there's no shelf space, there's no space for new books (which is... very true right now, and helping me in not buying new stuff).
Thanks for the encouragement on the jewelry temptations, diapasoun:)
About the books - I've adopted the one in and one out plan, the best and only thing that I ever did that helped me go from over seven large bookcases down to three medium-size ones.
I do love my books, although not to the point of a gazingus pin. Good books on Herbs - Aromatherapy - Herbal recipes or medicine are expensive and not easy to find. Over time I built a small collection on that and other subjects that interest me. I keep them, exchanging rarely for another, better book.
All the leisure reading-sci-fi, romance, top ten, thriller etc. is read and then immediately donated. I actually have a stack of books that I haven't read yet, doesn't happen often. We have a new 3-2-1 used bookstore and I picked up a stack of $1 and $3 books.
Unfortunately, our library is often sorely lacking in books about finance or anything else I find myself interested in - heck even jewelry making - there is practically nothing to choose from. Decorating books from the 60s? give me a break.
My next endeavor will entail reading the classics, hopefully, I can find a good source online and some at my library.
I'm with you that clothing is not my gazingus pin - I've planned my wardrobe on a yearly basis since I was ten - no joke:) It was born out of necessity and later it became a fun challenge.
I could probably do classes on how to go about it and come away with a great wardrobe suited to you and your lifestyle.
@Laura33 - Money is an emotional trigger for me - I am rarely rational about it. I totally get what you are saying, especially the time factor - for all intents and purposes I am out of time.
You are right, it does help to see the statements from the past four years and I have been looking at them obsessively. It is a clarifier and motivator.
Bottomline:
This is only the beginning of the year and I am frankly terrified that I can't make my goals happen because I can't control my spending habits when it comes to gemstones/jewelry. I will feel better once I see the final numbers for January - because that means I won the battle - one month down and 11 more months to go. This is about as bada$$ as it gets, I left MMM creampuff territory because I am making one last push for two goals that are important to me. So I really hope this thread will continue to stay strong and supportive throughout all of 2018 - I need you guys!
@iowajess you wanna trade my gemstone/jewelry gazingus pin for your nailpolish addiction?:) It would totally solve my problem:)