| Our society is run on consumerism. We have seen in | | | | There are few things more sobering than seeing your |
| the last year, that without it, the US is sunk. But what if | | | | cash disappear out of your wallet. |
| you spend more than you make? What can you do? | | | | Try to cook most of your meals. Yes, yes I know. You |
| Here are a few tips: | | | | can't cook. But, the internet is full of quick recipes that |
| Change credit cards. If you still have good credit and | | | | can make you a real chef Boyardee in no time. If you |
| receive zero interest credit card teasers in the mail, it | | | | must go out, go to and get discount coupons, or buy |
| could be a good thing. Try rolling over your debt onto a | | | | an Entertainment Book. This way you could cut your |
| zero interest card, temporarily. This can give you a little | | | | dining cost in half, and still enjoy yourself. In this |
| time in paying off the debt before accruing more | | | | economy, even 5 star restaurants like Lawry's the |
| interest. However, there is a danger. If you do not | | | | Prime Rib are offering deals. Look for them. |
| change your spending patterns, you will be worse off | | | | Don't borrow money from friends and family. They |
| than before. Use the new card in your strategy to | | | | don't need your problems, and it may be the last time |
| eliminate your debt, not incur more. So, this means that | | | | they talk to you for a while. |
| you may have to cut up all the other cards until you | | | | Make a cash flow. Schedule out your expenses each |
| arrive at a zero debt level. | | | | month, and consider where you can cut. Be honest |
| Pay cash and stop using credit. Pay cash for as many | | | | with yourself. You want to be debt-free before the |
| things as you can without running your bank balance | | | | holidays, in which at that time you can spend |
| into your overdraft account. This can really teach you | | | | responsibly on gifts. |
| how much you spend each month, and on what items. | | | | Cash has been and always will be king. |