I have gone back and forth over the last 2 years on this. This year my wife took me to out in April (bday month) and had me buy about $300 worth of stuff. Then I've just gone on from there.
What is different this year? I only buy 1 of most figures (did get 3 of the Shocktroopers for me) and I have passed on some figures and on all variants (unless I like them). I also have a collecting budget of $100 a month, that I can roll over, but when its done, its done, unless I talk with the boss and go over the budget and we cut something else out. I'm at point where after the last 12, I will stop except for probably Commander Cody, and an occasional figure here and there. I've done the same with my beloved LOTR collecting. On the new Epic Waves am only getting the Aragorn, the Gondorian, the Orc and Skull, Eowyn, and I believe that is it.
I had a major realization about two weeks when I realized I was collecting for me, and not for my son. I started this out as something for us to do, and for us to have stuff to display and play with. Then because he was young, I had to seperate mine and his. Dumb. Even dumber is when I ensure I get what I want before he gets what he wants. When you place your collecting over the wants of your own child, that is wrong. Thus time for a reality check. So, now I buy for us, display in my office and I don't have to worry about losing cause we have a system that my 11 year old has down pat.
The other thing I think is that though I still buy what I want, it is not near what I have speant this year on either LOTR or SW. Moderation is the key, and not being selfish. I realized that is why I would buy extra's and help others. Because I wanted to feel like I was a good guy because in reality, I was a selfish jerk in putting my wants above my son's. So, now he gets what he wants. I have taken him hunting, and he enjoys our time together, but now we hunt for what he and we want together.
Finally, I thought what is the purpose of collecting? To spend more time with my son because he is growing up WAY TO FAST! So I need to slow down and collecting in general takes a back door to ensuring that my son and daugther have ample time with me for a variety of activities, not just collecting, but things that interest them. Guess its that 40 years that make you reflective on what truly matters. I can see the day when I stop and walk away and say, that was fun and be done.