You know, the time we spent traveling is the time I spent buying the most stuff. Mostly software/plug-ins.
I'm thinking that one of the reason is that I spent quite a bit of time upstairs in the software forums and kept up to date with all the latest stuff over at KVR. For me, that's a very effective formula if I want to artificially create needs.
Another reason was that I was on the road and couldn't really get the things that I needed, so I compensated. I must have tested and bought almost every amp sim known to man that runs on Mac, when what I really needed was actual hardware.
Since we moved into this house, I've re-evaluated my priorities. I think that with the exception of 2 Waves plug-ins that I had wanted for a very long time and had been waiting for a deal to purchase, I've pretty much stuck with what I had.
I guess it helps to try to determine what you really need instead of shopping around for anything that you can see yourself maybe using or that could possibly help fix a problem which has a totally different solution.
For me, one of the reasons I bought so much stuff is that I wasn't happy with my guitar sound. I'd buy tape emulators, vintage compressor emulation, EQs, and tons of things to compensate for an inadequate recording chain.
Since I've moved the focus to hardware, it helped me determine what I really needed and wanted. The fact that those things are more expensive than your average plug-in make it easier to hold back from just wasting money on stuff I don't need.
Obviously, one could question whether or not I really "need" the Gibson SG I've recently ordered when I have a couple of totally fine Epiphone at my disposal and a US strat. Then again, I see that as buying what you really want every now and then. Otherwise, you often end up wasting as much on cheaper alternatives up until you get what you really want, anyway...
I'd been wanting a Mac forever when my wife finally gave me the push I needed to buy one - to this day, I still believe it's the best move I'd made in all my computer-related life. Recently, I thought about scoring an old POD XT to replace my older POD 2. My wife suggested what I really want, so I went for the HD. Again, best decision I could take. And I'm hoping/expecting it'll be the same for the SG. :)
By the way, since I've placed the focus on hardware, I got so disconnected from the software-buying urges that I haven't even upgraded to Logic X which came out in July! And I'm in no hurry...