on future purchases

I believe in being frugal.
As the daughter of an accountant/auditor, I was given a Quicken account on our computer in fourth grade and here is where I learned to reconcile my checking account and save, save, save. Most of my babysitting money and my paycheck from the public library was tucked away, only being tapped into in desperate situations (minus the time i spent a lot at the coffee corner...until my doctor said my heart was in danger).

5 examples of my frugality:

1. I religiously sign up for Wal-Mart's free samples each week. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go here: http://walmart.triaddigital.com/In-Stores-Now-free-samples.aspx and experience the glory. Because of this, I did not have to buy shampoo for two weeks and toothpaste for a month. I've also received: eye drops, eye solution, numerous perfume samples, lotion, goldbond cream, cereal, snack bars, and nighttime huggies.

2. I break out a calculator at least 3 times during each grocery store visit

3. I never, EVER waste leftovers. It is a sin that is basically right behind murder.

4. When staying at a hotel, I take all of the free samples provided, from coffee filters to shampoo/conditioner. Where I see a chance to save money, Brad sees an opportunity to shake his head.

5. I purchase clothes (maybe) twice a year when I receive Target gift cards for Christmas or my birthday.

This being said, it doesn't mean I don't think about purchasing nice items to fix up our house, or spending a little extra cash on a nice meal. The problem is, I feel so convicted when I do so. I don't believe we "deserve" to treat ourselves when so many are living in absolute poverty. But what is the correct spending balance?

I have a few items in mind that I would like to purchase someday. If I save enough money on shampoo and toothpaste, perhaps I justify spending the money on them:

1. a professional camera. I want nothing more than to teach myself the art of photography, as it is a medium that takes my breath away. Sidenote: you should look at one of my favorite photographer's blogs and her website...and maybe i'll save up to buy these someday.
2. new running shoes. i've beaten my old ones up like a....hmm. probably shouldn't start a phrase like that.
3. a laminator. I could really use one to preserve the visual aids (or is it aides? because I do not want to keep a visual of a deadly disease around) I make for music therapy
4. a macbook. i've heard these are best for photos, and I would like to use GarageBand for creating music therapy arrangements. plus, i am now able to use my old laptop as a personal warmer, as it generates an incredible amount of heat from working so hard (that, coupled with the fact that I used to have limewire and the numerous viruses have eaten away at its motherboard). Sidenote: if you are interested in why the plural of virus is not viri, look here: http://linuxmafia.com/~rick/faq/plural-of-virus.html