5 Steps to Healthy Spending Habits

Next to our physical health most of us are primarily concerned with our financial health, and with good reason. Although our intentions are usually great our follow-through and discipline generally isn't. Mere mention of the word budget or cutback sends us into fits.

Healthy spending habits need not be synonymous with deprivation - a bad word in our you deserve it/you've earned it culture. Those interested in cultivating more healthy spending habits will be happy to know that rehabilitation is painless.

Step 1.

Start with a spending log. Yes, you have heard this advice before. This exercise is eye-opening if you do it diligently. If you have been unable to keep such a log because it is tedious or difficult to remember, consider using your debit card for every purchase. You can find the Visa/Mastercard logo nearly everywhere you shop or buy, including many fast food spots. With online banking you will have access to a visual record of all your spending. This is a great way to begin to spot patterns and decide where you can cut back.

Step 2.

Analyze your online account statement (four weeks is ideal) to help you determine where your money is going. Most credit unions offer to the minute transaction information. Review your log without judgment. What you have done, in terms of your spending, does not matter - at least not yet. What does matter is that you get a firm hold on your expenses. For example, how much money do you spend on coffee each week? Dry cleaning? Take out? Movies? You get the idea.

Step 3.

Next, write down all sources of income. With a list of your income and expenses in hand determine your priorities. Begin your budgeting process here. Obviously housing and other fixed costs will figure prominently on your priority list. Now, take a look at the conveniences that represent variable expenses. This is likely where you will find room to make changes. For example, if you subscribe to a video service can you get the two DVD plan instead of the three or eight DVD plan. If you buy coffee each day, can you bring it from home a time or two each week? Or would you be willing to purchase a smaller or otherwise less expensive cup? Can you clip coupons or eat out a little less?

Step 4.

Write a budget in pencil. Writing in pencil will help you remember that your budget is a fluid document. As you live with it you will probably need to make changes. That's okay. You may even want to include a little mad money each month. It is far better to blow a budgeted $20.00 than it is to impulsively fritter away $200.00.

Step 5

Set a savings goal and make it something specific and important. A meaningful savings goal keeps feelings of deprivation away while providing the motivation you will need to stay on track. Be patient with yourself if you do get off track. If it helps, try writing your goals down and posting them or maybe even carrying a picture that represents your goal. Refer to these as often as you need. It may also be useful to try to determine what emotional need your spending fills for you and look for another way to get your needs met. Remember, developing a new habit takes practice. In time you may even learn to love your new healthy spending habits. It is liberating to be in control of your finances. So, go ahead, clip those coupons. Write your budget and honor your savings goal. That (insert your goal here) can be in your future if you decide to make it happen.

Nicole Soltau is the President and Founder of http://CreditUnionRate.com.
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Free From Debt

Are you tried of going to the mail box and find many bills in there waiting for taking out your check book? Have you ever wondered if you will ever be free? Each month you pay the minimums and although you KNOW you've got a handle on it - you are not charging your credit card or accumulating new debts anymore - it seems that you will be paying the minimum fees forever.



The way you pay your debts can affect how soon you will finish paying them off - even if you keep paying the same amount for debt every month. Of course you might be able to get a consolidation loan, but if you're not eligible or are not interested then there are several other things you can do. It's not always the easiest to figure out the mathematics, but there are four steps to quicker debt relief.



1. Create a list: List your smallest debts first followed by your largest high-interest debts (credit card) and then your largest low-interest debts (Lines of credit and taxes). Plan to pay the minimums on all debts with these goals in mind:



2. Small bills first: They may not be the highest interest, but every bill that you are paying some interest on means you are usually only paying minimal amounts on the principal. Multiple debts are also a sure way to bring your spirits down. Paying off small debts first is a quick way to start checking them off - and freeing your mind.



3. Move the payments along: When one debt is paid add the funds to the next debt. For example, say you're making $75 payments to a small debt. When the debt is cleared add the $75 to the next debt on your list. If the next debt had a minimum payment of $100, you will now pay $175 until it is paid off. When that one is finished, take the $175 and add it to the next payment and so on.



4. Save the cash!: Don't forget that when your debts are cleared you have set yourself up for a better financial future. The best way to take advantage of your new situation is to use all the money you were spending on debts and start investing or saving it every month.



It is a worthwhile goal to get out of debt. With this strategy your debts will clear faster meaning you will pay less interest, you will see progress as you clear small debts first, and you will not be tempted to use the funds for personal use instead of debt repayment. Now you will see goal come sooner and teaching yourself discipline sets you up for a brighter financial future.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Dr. Drew Henry maintains a number of websites about Loans, including Business Loan Guide, California Home Loan Secrets, and Car Loan Insider.

Auto Insurance: Reduce Costs But Maintain Protection

Auto insurance is a legal requirement in every US state and Canadian province. Costs are continuing to rise. How can you reduce some of these expenses and still get the best coverage?

First, get multiple quotes from the Internet and your neighborhood broker. You can shop for different types of quotes from a direct-sell insurance companies and offline and online brokers.

Auto insurance that is cheapest isn\'t always the smartest move. Ask yourself, is the company financially secure? Are they reputable and will they pay out if you have to make a claim.

The first piece of the policy is almost always liability insurance. If you only have minimum liability coverage and you injure someone, their attorney can go after your personal assets. Many insurers feel that minimum liability is a gamble. In fact, that is why it is often only a little more money for more protection.

Auto insurance varies on car types. Coverage for a sports car is very different from insuring the family sedan or mini-van.

If you are looking to buy a car, consider buying a car that \looks good\ to insurance companies. For instance, insurance companies know what kinds of cars are prone to problems. They also know what kinds of cars are most often stolen. If you haven\'t purchased your car yet, find out what cars make this \good list\ among auto insurers.

Consider how much coverage you really need to buy and the price each of these coverages will pay. Think about collision and comprehensive coverage, which is how much you will be reimbursed for the loss or destruction of your vehicle. Are you carrying $30,000 worth of collision coverage for a $12,000 vehicle?

If your car was totaled, would you be able to afford to replace it? If not, you will want comprehensive and collision coverage.

The decision to buy this coverage is usually based on the value of your car. Guidelines usually suggest that if your car is worth less than $2,000, it won\'t be worth it to buy comprehensive and collision.

If you own a $50,000 car though, it would most certainly be worth it to pay an extra $200 annually or so to insure that your car will be replaced if you get in a serious accident.

If you\'re driving a used car from 10 years ago, dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage can usually give big savings.

Run through various scenarios such as if I totaled someone else\'s car, will my insurance cover it? How much will I have to pay out of my own pocket?

Paying a higher deductible can also keep your policy costs down. Remember, the deductible is what you pay out of own pocket when making a claim.

Buying a low mileage car and insuring with a good driving record, will all help bring insurance rates down. Don\'t speed, don\'t drink and drive and you\'ll save.

Single, young males under the age of 25 get the short end of the stick in this deal so if you fall into this category make up for this price increase by purchasing a more sensible vehicle. Consider delaying the purchase of that cherry red Mustang until after you\'re 26 and married.

Keep yourself adequately covered. You can get away with having the bare minimums required by each state to keep you in compliance with state laws, but that may not be enough to protect your assets if you have a major incident.

Insurance experts recommend that you review your insurance policy often and thoroughly.

Many insurance companies offer discounts for anti-theft devices and advanced driver-training courses.

Auto-insurancenews.com by Drew Harris is a one-stop-shop website for those looking for everything related to Auto Insurance. Multiple pages of resources, referrals, tools, and expert advice. http://www.auto-insurancenews.com