EVER see how much you're spending on chips!!! (I'm sure I'll miss...miss...geez, I'm so bad with names....).

As mentioned above:
DO keep track of your chips on some sort of database AND keep it current.
DO buy the reference books.
And probably the most important and most rewarding DO is Do ask questions -- the people within this chipping community are great. THEY make me look forward to the annual convention like a five year old looks forward to Christmas!!