| Knowing ways to save money is a primary | | | | not have it down to the penny, but you should |
| concern for many people and their families. | | | | have a pretty good idea of how much money |
| Learning to save money is not about buying | | | | you have on hand. If you find yourself constantly |
| software or books. It is not about taking | | | | surprised by an expensive credit card bill, it is time |
| economics or finance courses. Saving money is a | | | | to start keeping track of your money. Merely |
| new way of thinking. If you have a problem | | | | writing down what you spend money on can help |
| saving money then you might need to adjust the | | | | immensely and balancing your checkbook on a |
| way you think about money. | | | | monthly basis is a good place to start. Or, if the |
| Understanding the main reason behind your | | | | idea of balancing a checkbook overwhelms you, |
| monetary problems can help you greatly with the | | | | why not try carrying a small piece of paper |
| first basic way to save money—Think | | | | around and writing down everything you spend |
| Before You Spend. This rule is all about weighing | | | | money on. This is small enough to fit in a wallet or |
| needs against desires and avoiding thoughtless | | | | purse but will remind you on a daily basis to |
| purchases. Often, emotional purchases fall into this | | | | remain aware of your spending. |
| category. Before spending money think about | | | | Finally, the most vital of our save money |
| why you are buying said item – do you | | | | strategies —Earn It Before You Burn It. |
| actually need it? Even if you still feel out of | | | | This means that whether you are shopping for |
| control of your spending the mere act of thinking | | | | necessities or luxuries you make out that you |
| about it will eventually lead to increased control. | | | | have the money to pay the bill. Perhaps you |
| You know what they say, “To change the | | | | prefer to use plastic for ease or rewards, but |
| way you act, first change the way you | | | | before you hand over that card to the clerk you |
| think!” Thinking about your spending is the | | | | better be sure that you have the funds to pay |
| first step in many strategies to save money. | | | | the bill when it comes due. Once you start |
| Another rule in this list of ways to save money is | | | | carrying balances and paying interest on your |
| simple—Keep Track Of Your Money. Credit | | | | credit cards then you are destroying your ability |
| cards are a wonderful convenience, as are | | | | to save money. It is a simple rule – |
| checkbooks and debit cards, but the problem is | | | | don’t spend money you don’t have. |
| that unless you are handing over cold hard cash it | | | | If you follow these three basic ways to save |
| is really easy to ignore where your funds are | | | | money then you will be ahead of the game. Think |
| going and very difficult to keep track of how | | | | before you spend, keep track of your money, |
| much you have left. You should never be shocked | | | | and earn it before you burn it are the best |
| by your credit card bill and you should not be | | | | strategies to save money. |
| caught off guard by your bank balance. You may | | | | |