I was trying to persuade a friend to buy a $.47 cent green hat (nearly all of you guessed correctly!) at Old Navy when she confessed why she had to say no. She only buys one accessory and one item of clothing each month. And while the hat was a great bargain, it was not worth $.47 to her.

Her rule – a new year’s resolution which she intends to keep year round – has helped her save hundreds of dollars each month. Shopping is one of her main methods of de-stressing. But with this plan, that has changed.

“Now that I have the pressure of only buying two things a month, nothing looks as appealing to me,” said my friend Sarah. “What if later in the month I find something really amazing?”

I happened to be with her when she found her clothing purchase for March – a cute floral top at H&M that was a throwback to the 70s. Definitely worth it.

The price was $15.90. If the price was particularly low one month did she let herself buy an extra item, I asked. No, because then you get into a gray area that allows you to justify more spending, she said.

I think Sarah’s system is brilliant because it is very clear cut, which takes the emotion out of shopping. Falling in love with clothes does terrible things to your wallet.

My friend’s system does leave room for big splurges, however, because she does not set any price limits. This has not been a problem for her, but it would get me into trouble. One purchase at Nordstrom and I would spend more money than if I let myself buy a few low-cost items each month. But perhaps it will work for you!