[stars & stripes forever]

Once the over-spend cycle has been broken, it becomes easier to spend less and less each year.

[jennings2004]

What a novel concept! Think it will catch on with Federal Government spending?

[The Duke]

Once the over-spend cycle has been broken, it becomes easier to spend less and less each year.

I totally agree based on my personal experience. I would also add that my own values have moved away from gift-giving during Christmas as videos of crazed holiday shoppers have caused me to associate that tradition with cultures with which I prefer not to self-identify.