i found i can actually afford things sooner once i broke my addiction to credit cards and went back to the system my parents taught me: if you can't pay cash, you probably don't need it.
without those monthly payments to make, i can actually save up for things faster. i might have to wait for something instead of just running out to get it, but (1) it forces me to remember the difference between "want" and "need"; and (2) a $200 item only costs $200 instead of $200 plus months and months of interest.
one of these days i'll have practiced my way to having the skills it takes to make quilts i can sell for big bucks with a clear conscience. then i'll really go out of control. LOL