Tricks+and+Tips3

**Tips for Staying out of Debt:**

1) __Spend Less__ - The golden rule to staying out of debt is don't buy something unless you are sure you can afford it. Know what your income is and what your bills are. Make a budget and stick to it. Know how much money you have for what. 2) __Pay Cash__ - Debit cards are handy but can make you spend more than you can afford. Know what you can spend. Pay cash if you can. If you don't have the money, then you probably don't need it. 4) __Pay off Your Credit Cards__ - Always pay over the minimum, and pay monthly. Large balances and high interest rates are bad combinations. Use a zero balance credit card and try to pay off the debt in the six month time period before the offer ends. 5) __Buy Items of Sale__ - Don't pay full price. Memberships in discount clubs like Costco can pay off if you need to buy larger items. Buying in bulk or larger quantities can be cost effective for a larger family or things that are used often. 6) __Be Realistic__ - We live in a consumer society that makes everything attractive. If you don't need it, don't buy it. If you can't avoid spending, don't go to a certain store. Invest in a hobby or something that will keep you busy and satisfy that desire to have something new.

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7) __Make a Budget__ - Sit down and determine the total amount of take-home pay that comes into your household every month. Next, determine the nature and amount of all necessary expenses, including mortgage, auto, food and utilities. The amount that you have left after all necessary expenses have been paid will represent your extra spending money for the month. By spending no more than what you make, you will never again have to worry about needing debt relief. 8) __Shop with a Store Lis__t - If you shop with a list and stay within the areas that sell only what you need to buy, you won't be tempted by impulse purchases. Although excessive spending is not the only reason why many are in need of debt consolidation/debt settlement services, it is one of the leading causes of debt. 9) __Keep a Financial Journal/Track Your Spending__ - A financial journal is a very responsible step toward managing your money and avoiding debt problems in the future. Rather than wondering what happens to your hard-earned dollar, write down every single purchase in a daily journal. This will help you to see exactly what you are paying and where you could possibly afford to cut back if needed. Learning the simplest ways to save will soon turn into a new way of life. 10) __Clip Coupons__ - You can save a lot of money every week simply by clipping a few coupons. Whether you find them online or in the Sunday newspaper, coupons are a terrific way to save money. Even if you only save $10.00 per week in coupons, that's $40.00 per month. 11) __Save!__ - Every month, try to put some amount of money into a savings account or savings bond. Whatever you can afford, even if it's just $20.00, putting money into some type of savings will provide you with a cushion for later use. 12) __Charge...__(if necessary) - By having only **one** credit card with a **small** credit limit, you will have access to some additional funds in case of an emergency or for making travel reservations, ordering gifts online or other necessary purchases. The key to having money is careful spending and, even with a credit card, this can be possible.

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