I do alot of 'window' shopping and drool over magazines and catalogs. If I am feeling the urge to splurge, I pull out a magazine or get on-line and look at fabric and quilts. For some reason, this satisfies my desires.
I realized a long time ago, that if DH did't have to fight with the bills to make ends meet, he was a much nicer person to live with and so was I. Paying the electric bill, insurance, gas, etc. are more important and keep DH and my relationship in a better place.
I don't 'have to' buy things anymore.
When I did go through that stage of my life, the deceit, hiding, and fibbing, were more than this old girls stomache could handle. I grew up and out of that stage for the most part. I am more content with less now.