for me, i think the internet and message baords has reduced the potenital overall amount ...
internet - save money 'cuz ya' get better prices on items rather than being stuck buying from catalogues / local retail
message boards - save money 'cuz ya' get better info to make informed choices and keep from wasting money on things you'd end up unhappy with which would lead to additional purchases trying to get it right
then again, if i had more $$$ to feed the GAS, the net and forums would lead to massive expenditures
cheers
t4d