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It's been interesting to me for a long time that the wealthy will pay (or lose money) for "convenience" every time - and not just the wealthy, either.

I live well, but within my means, and even though I get called "cheap" for not buying the latest gadgets and clothes and vacation packages and whatever, I have pretty much everything i need/want, and I got it all at a discount, sometimes eye-opening deep, and I'm become very patient about researching big ticket items and finding the best deals or alternatives. I don't mind buying last-years models (besides, version 1.0 of anything is gnerally a bad idea, bug wise) and I could care less what other people think. I see all you MBA types on the plane sneaking looks at each other's laptops, seeing who has the latest and most expensive. I have a 17" Powerbook G4. I got it free, with a broken LCD, was told it was only good for parts. $300 and a few minutes research on Ebay later and some quality time with a micro-driver set and detailed instructions on the web, I have a working, gleaming Powerbook. It's not the new Intel version, but it works, it's practically brand new, and I challenge you to find one of this quality and reliability for $300.

Avoid the 'Gotta have it!"s, research anything over $100 (there are great resources online), and question if you REALLY need it, or just "want" it. Can you wait 6 months, a year for that gadget? Because I guarantee you'll find it at a steep discount later. You pay each month for internet access, the deals are out there, you just have to dig. There are whole stores, those factory outlets, that specifically sell last year's stuff.

The latest loser in my battle to save money and avoid fads: HDTV. Sure, it's cool. Yes, I have an HDTV plasma (got a great deal on it by searching for 6 months online), but the price of entry for a technology that will be pennies on teh dollar a year or two from now, and might change anyway? Pass! Everyone I know who has it dug their claws in me and got me all worked up about it, and I wanted it...then I came down to earth, and simply could'nt justify it. Would I like it? Sure! Do i want to pay hundreds for something I'll watch maybe once or twice a week? (judging by the listings). Nope! Nobody complains when they visit, for not having it. Is the ego boost worth a week's pay? Pfffft.

Less stuff, but the stuff I have is quality, and my Dad raised me to at least try and fix it before replacing it (and fixing it and fixing it and fixing it...). I hate clutter, and if I don't use it, it gets donated or given to friends. Laptops, printers, tvs, vcrs, clothes - they work fine, but I don't use them, they all now live with freinds and coworkers who are very happy with them.

I got some great antiques that were left on the curb when people moved. Just needed refinishing and a little TLC. People look at me wierd, and think picking through trash is beneath them, but most people throw stuff away that has nothing wrong with it, or can't be bothered to order a part or go to a junkyard. I love refinishing furniture, and love old wood - I'll pay for it, but if they're leaving it out for free...it'd be a crime NOT to grab it and take care of it. IKEA is fine, but the old Art Deco secretary desk with a gorgeous wood grain (that some villian painted blue, then yellow, then white) that I found is a more satisfying desk than anything IKEA has, and stripping it and hand sanding and finishing it was a project I loved every minute of, depspite the looks of horror and irritation at the idea of actually working on furniture. "Just go buy one, you can afford it!"

Another good example is picture frames. The raw materials are cheap, but making them is finicky and requires good tools, knowledge and space. Most people would rather spend $2-300 to frame a PRINT - not even original art - when you can go to Goodwill and St. Vincent DePaul or salvage yards and get beautiful, old, well made frames for pennies, that just need a cleaning, maybe some kind of varnish, or paint. Heck, even if you make your own, instead of the cheap raw wood they sell now, cut down an old frame - some of them were made with wood you can't get anymore. A piece of glass for a couple of bucks (acrylic if it's a print), and viola.

I spend money, but c'mon. Most of what people buy is junk, they won't use, and there's whole industries built on selling people more junk to store the junk they don't use.

Half the drawers and cabinets in my kitchen are empty, and I take great pride in that. Freeing yourself from junk is an experience I urge everyone to try, it's an elightening experience. It's not anti-American, it's common sense. The fact that i do not own an Ipod, nor plan to (I listen to music mostly in the car or while working, external drives and iTunes is fine) will not drive the economy down, and I resent anyone that even hints at it. That $400 is better spent in my 401K or a savings account generating interest.

If I really wanted one, I could go buy one tomorrow, because I don't buy junk, and have no debt, and that feels great too!

This country throws away better stuff than people own with pride in other countries, or sell it cheap to get rid of it, to make room for new stuff. Sporting goods, computer gear, and cameras are excellent areas to find GREAT deals, if you look, or ask. Need a starter lens for a digital SLR? Ask anyone who bought one the last few years, most take off the stock lens and stuff it in a drawer.