Over the years, I have practiced what I call my Rules of Thumb (ROT). These are self-imposed "rules" I use to make my life easier or better. For example, ROT #1 helps me keep our small home clutter-free, especially after the massive purging of the

Great Downsize of '06. Following this ROT makes me think twice before acquiring more "stuff" I can do without (read: clutter, junk, dust collectors, gewgaws, useless objects...). I will share other ROTs later, but here is #1:

ROT #1: For any article of clothing or household item I purchase I must select a similar one I already own to give away.

How does this ROT help me? Well, to start with, I have an abundance of nice clothes, most of which are left over from my working days. And, because I take care of my belongings, these can last a very long time. They still fit and I wear them according to the seasons (sweaters, coats, jackets, shoes, blouses).

But sometimes I spot a good bargain and I begin to think I like it better than something I already have, or maybe some favorite piece actually gets worn out, or a household item gets broken. And, then there's the weight-gain situation. If I gain just a few pounds, some of my favorites don't look so good anymore. So, I might want to buy something new.

But, my ROT requires me to select a similar item (two is even better) to donate, give away, or throw away, depending on the circumstance. This insures I still have room in my closet to actually walk-in, and helps me keep impulse buying in check. It's not always easy to apply this ROT, so sometimes I have to work at it.

My "internal conversation" might go something like this:

Me: Ohhh, look at that cute little fleece jacket...and it's 50% off. I love the color!

Frugal alter ego: Yes, very nice. So, what jacket will you give away?

Me: Hmmm, I want to keep my down jacket, it was expensive and I wear it in the snow. My microfiber jacket is warm and water-repellant... gotta keep that one. I love my red fleece jacket that DS gave me... and the black fleece has zip-pockets I use for my keys when I go walking, so I don't want to give away that one... and...

Frugal alter ego: Well then, you really don't need ANOTHER cute little jacket, after all, do you?!

Anyway, you get the idea.