I'm a bit torn. I need to save money, but this is my birthday month, and I'm finishing my PhD and interviewing for jobs, so I'm going to want to celebrate a bit. I keep a spreadsheet with ALL my purchases, except rent and electricity, so I'm going to set my goal as spending less this month than any other month this year (and then beating it again in October). April was my best month so far. If I can fit a couple of birthday purchases in there, or a celebration dinner, then great, as long as my total comes to less than April. The only hard and fast rule, no more clothes or shoes until Black Friday. I need to stop looking at sale emails from my favorite clothing site!