Debt Consolidation Credit Counseling In Phoenix

No one wants to go into debt. We try to avoid it if we can, but we fall into the traps of credit cards and delayed payment specials so easily. Curbing our spending requires discipline and an honest effort.

As consumers, we have to learn to live within our means. This is more than having enough money in a paycheck to pay our bills. Financial security is having something in a savings account and money left over from our paychecks to use in an emergency if we need it.

Since there are so many things that we cannot control we have to take control where possible. There is no way that we can anticipate certain medical expenses, home or car repairs, and other mishaps that we might face. But we can control our spending habits and make an effort to spend less and save more.

A good budget is the only way to start and it should be on paper. It can be difficult to begin to budget your money if you are not accustomed to doing so. But the rewards are well worth the effort. It is just going to require commitment and self control.

A budget is only as good as the people using it. Keep yourself accountable to someone your spouse, your friend, your parents. Have a person who will call you out if you are spending too much money.

It takes two weeks to make or break a habit. Start at the beginning of a month and try out your budget. If you eat out for lunch at work, why not prepare your lunch for a month. Include lunch items on the grocery list and pack your lunch the night before.

Making this adjustment will require some effort. It will mean adjustments in your time management as well so that you have time to prepare meals rather than go out to eat. So make a schedule for preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner and be determined to stick with it. Get other family members involved and help each other remember to take something out for dinner or prepare lunches for the day.

Don't run out armed with your credit card or checkbook each time anyone wants something. Ask if it is necessary to have that particular item. Search around the house first to see if you already have it. I seem to buy a new pack of crayons each time my kids have a project. At the end of the school year, I find at least five boxes of crayons lying around. I would only have invested in one if I had taken the time to look. Okay, crayons aren't that expensive, but it is the discipline that we are going for here.