Financial Cookie Jar

It can be very difficult to live within your means at times. However, it is at this point of time that it is most critical to live within your means. It is very easy to forget about how much you are spending when you simply swipe a plastic card every time you make a purchase.

Instead you may want to consider using cash. When you use cash you can physically see how much you are spending and keep a check on yourself. If you run out of cash, you will not be able to spend anymore without pulling out your card. However, put a ban on the card and try to stick to cash throughout each budget period.

If you can control yourself, credit cards can be very useful. However, credit cards should be used only in emergencies. If you cannot exercise control over your use of the credit card, give it to your spouse to hold onto or chop them up. By giving it to your spouse to hold on, you will still have it if you need it, but he or she will be a check on how often you use it. It may be difficult at first, but it will be worth living within your means.