1 | REWARD YOURSELF
Whether it’s take-out once a month or a trip to the local carnival, everyone needs to have something to look forward to. Hopelessness is not an option.
2 | SEPARATE WANTS FROM NEEDS
It’s easy to confuse the two, and easier to convince yourself there’s no difference at all. Behavior modification is not a bad thing.
3 | USE CASH
The most dangerous invention of the 20th century is about two by three inches and made of plastic: the credit card. Even debit cards give the illusion that you’re not spending.
4 | MONITOR YOUR ACCOUNTS
Identity theft is rampant these days, and some checking accounts will let you keep purchasing while you’re overdrawn. Ignorance is not bliss.
5 | BUDGET. BUDGET. BUDGET.
Odds are, you have a pretty good idea of how much money you make. Take five or 10 minutes to plan how you’re going to spend it. Then stick to the plan.
6 | KEEP AN EMERGENCY FUND
Experts recommend having one month’s salary or more on hand at all times. If that’s not realistic, a few hundred dollars will do. Better safe than sorry.
7 | BUY IN BULK
It’s cheaper and far more convenient than a daily trip to the grocery store; you even save gas. Be kind to yourself and Mother Nature—you could both use a break.
8 | AVOID MINIMUM PAYMENTS
You rarely touch your principle balance when only paying minimums, and interest adds up fast. Add five or 10 dollars and your “Total Due” might actually decrease.
9 | “I’M BROKE” IS OKAY TO SAY
Pride always goes before a fall. Don’t hesitate to tell a friend you need to cancel or change plans; they’ll understand. Otherwise, they’re no friend.
10 | ASK FOR PRACTICAL GIFTS
It might sound presumptive, but someone somewhere will probably buy you a gift in the next year. If they ask, request something you need (see #2).
