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4. Break old Habits Take time to learn
various things that "trigger" your spending. When you are depressed, lonely, sad, anxious, excited, whatever it may be, do you spend more? Once you can identify these triggers then you can learn how to control them. As an example, if you were just laid off from your job, although money is tight, you may have an overwhelming "need" to spend money. Perhaps you notice that when you are bored, you head for shops. Knowing what affects you will help you to discipline yourself to find other ways of comfort.
5. Utilities Set up some rules in your home such as turning lights off when leaving room, having only a parent adjust air or heat, leaving doors or windows open when letting either cold or hot air into house. Utilities are expensive and a great money saver is to monitor how they are used in your home. Another great idea is investment of buying an energy-efficient hot water heater. If you cannot afford one, lower setting so you are not heating water so hot. The hotter setting, more energy used.
6. Unsecured Creditors Make a list of all your unsecured debts along with creditor contact information and payoff amount so you can have an accurate record of how much you owe. Choose one creditor, possibly a credit card, and focus on paying off that bill. Once you have achieved that goal, choose another. Start with debt that has highest interest rate since it is one costing you most money.
7. Coupons Okay, maybe you used to laugh as you watched people pull out their coupons at stores but truth is that using coupons can save you hundreds of dollars every year. Coupons can be used at grocery stores, retail chains, any store where item is sold. Some stores offer double coupon days, which is an extra bonus. On average, you could easily save from 5% to 15% on a bill for $100 simply by presenting a coupon. Coupons are not just for food items and by scouring your local newspaper you can find coupons for all sorts of merchandise.
Jill R. Hyland is an Independent Marketing Representative, National Director for Maxous, Inc., a company saving people 20% to 50% on things people purchase every single day, such as Fast Food-Dining, Medical, Movies, Prescriptions, Car Services, Vision, Legal, Dental, Golfing, Bowling, Haircuts, Travel, and much, much more - As Low as $19.99 per month for the whole family! http://www.discountspro.com
