Some ideas to control or avoid debt are:

·Watch credit card spending. ·Check interest rates, and negotiate where possible. ·Pay debt off as quickly as possible; add a little extra to payment, if possible. ·Raise your awareness of "luxury debt". ·Re-consider designer labels and name brands. ·Watch small expenses, they all add up.

3. Invest something, regularly

The basic means of saving is a standard saving account. By starting with this, it can develop discipline of saving, and when you see your savings grow, it will inspire you to go onto bigger savings and investments.

For many of us, discipline of saving regularly is difficult, especially at start. This can be overcome by arranging automatic savings, that is, you can arrange with your bank that a fixed amount be deducted by debit order, and placed into your saving account. As your savings grow, you will find your discipline grows, and you become more motivated to save.

Investing your money has more benefits than spending. By investing, your money grows, and you are able to afford luxuries of life, without going into debt. Investigate and research investment options, and what interest rates are offered. Watching your money grow is a lot more fun than paying off debts. Start today.

4. Funds for emergencies

Unexpected expenses are a part of life, and when these occur, you will be in a better position if you are prepared for it. You know how it goes, something packs up, and must be repaired: car repairs, household appliances, or veterinary costs. In this case, "cash is king". Because you find yourself in an emergency, you can usually negotiate a better price when paying cash. Otherwise you are at mercy of supplier, when charging it to credit.

Savings can be used for these emergency costs. It is still better than debt, especially when considering eventual cost, with interest.

5. Nothing like compound interest

This is amazing feature of money. You can see your money double, or even triple, thanks to compound interest. This is where you get your money working for you, when you get paid interest on interest. It is really a great invention, and one of best ways to grow your money.

An example of compound interest:

$100 invested @ 5% = $105 $105 re-invested @ 5% = $110.25 $110.25 re-invested @ 5% = $115.76

Again, do your research, and find best interest rates.

Nothing magical about money

It is a sad reality, but many of us want to walk before we can crawl. I cannot remember who said it, but it is very true: "a penny saved today, is worth two tomorrow". There are basic realities in reaching your money goals, and first is: set a goal and work towards it.

There are a variety of financial tools available to assist you with your money goals. This article discussed five basic tools...

·Set a realistic budget ·Stay away from debt ·Invest something regularly ·Keep funds for emergencies ·Nothing works like compound interest

Follow these five secrets and you will reach your money goals.

6.Try letting go and see what marvels happen! Let go of one small thing that’s really been getting to you. Ask yourself what is worst that can happen? Just for kicks, reflect back on a particularly stressful holiday situation last year. How bad was it really? Did worry consume you for nothing? I’m guessing that turnout wasn’t as bad as all images swimming in your head. And, there may have even been a hidden blessing after all. In scheme of things, our daily worries are trivial. Try to let them go… and go with flow!

7.Find opportunities throughout day to bond and make a human connection. Make a conscious and loving effort to be attentive and live in present moment. A sure fire quick way to work yourself up is to let your mind run a million miles an hour of things you could, should or would be doing. These random relentless thoughts will just make you anxious and nervous. Take time to look into peoples’ eyes; listen carefully to what they have to say and pass them a compliment about something you know is important to them. That goes for strangers too! You will enjoy your time together that much more… and so will they.

8.Change up scenery. Rather than going through your same daily routine, shake it up a bit! Close your eyes at night before you drift off and sleepily anticipate a self indulgent wild and crazy day. Roll out of bed on opposite side. Light a scented candle in bathroom and watch flame flicker in morning light. Crank up your favorite piece of inspiring music before you do anything else in morning. Walk backward through house. Try tea instead of coffee. Call an old friend you haven’t talked to in ages. Talk to strangers! Take scenic route home. Wave to stressed out folks who cut you off on freeway. What else can you think of that could change up your scenery and shake some smiles out of you?

9.Treat yourself as you would treat others. Write yourself a love note. Buy yourself fresh stems of flowers. Soak your feet. Valet park car. Have your groceries delivered. Send your undies to cleaners. Snuggle with a blankie. Take a long walk. Sleep in. Watch sunset. Sing yourself a love song. Do all things for yourself you wish others would do for you!

Enjoy most fabulous holiday season of all times!