1. Create a "shopping diary." Record purchases for a month. What time is it? Where are you? How do you feel before buying the item? What about after; Do you need the item or just want it? How much does it cost?

2. Look for patterns. Do you shop out of insecurity? In celebration? Out of boredom? Write one page on each motive. Detail how overspending affects your financial security, and how life could be happier with some changes.

3. Set a goal for saving, with an amount and a target date. For example, "I'll save $600 for emergencies by this time next year." By setting aside $50 per month you can meet it.

4. Create a monthly spending plan detailing your needs (necessary expenses, savings) and wants (a set amount for shopping). For help creating a budget, get out your diary, then visit the Web sites quicken.com or bankrate.com.

5. Save automatically with payroll deductions.

6. Cancel all but two credit cards. Put those out of reach--in a safe deposit box or frozen in ice. You'll avoid impulse buying.

7. Remove temptation. Cancel catalogs. Don't shop on lunch breaks or kill time at the mall.

8. Scout out cheap chic. Look to consignment shops or clothing swaps with friends to refresh your wardrobe.

9. Remember, sale is a four-letter word for recovering shopaholics. Seeing a good deal doesn't mean that you have to buy it.

10. Meet with a financial professional yearly to assess your needs, make plans to reach your goals, and keep on track.

11. Consider that trendy items you'll trash in a season are more costly than classics: In 2001, I paid $2,200 for five pieces of St. John suiting: a skirt, slacks, two jackets and a tank top. The black knits travel well and don't show dirt during weeklong trips. Since I wear at least one of these pieces three times a week, I've already worn the suit 504 times at $4.37 per wear It actually cost me less than say, a $20 top I've worn twice.

12. Clean out your closet. You won't believe how much fun you'll have "discovering" outfits you already own!