, THRIFTY SPENDING
BY ALL MEANS, TRY TO CUT BACK CREDIT CARD SPENDING
From 1989 to 2001 credit card debt nearly tripled.
1.  Budget a weekly cash amount for food, gas and miscellaneous.  When it is gone don't spend until you get the allowance (except for emergencies).
2.  Don't use credit cards except for an emergency.  Leave it at home!  Studies show that we tend to buy more non-essentials if we have the credit card.
3.  Watch credit card interest .  They may raise it  without you noticing.  Watch due dates.  The grace period could get shorter.  Department stores tend to have higher interest rates than bank cards.
4.  Pay early because it looks good on your credit report.  Late fees are high.  Pay online if you think it may not get there on time by mail.
5.  Pay at least $5-10 more than the minimum amount due.  This also helps improve the credit score.
6.  Use no more than 50% of available credit on the card.  That also looks better on credit score.
7.  BE SERIOUS.  Don't splurge on vacation, clothing(unnecessarily), decor, or any non-essentials until finances  are under control.  Consider the need before buying.
8.  Focus on paying down debt and saving.  You need about 3 months of income for an emergency fund.

CHECK THESE SITES
elliekay.com
crown.org and nfcc.org
(free debt counseling)
avvo.com
(free legal advice)
bankrate.com
(compare rates for mortgage, equity,
auto,Cd & investment, savings
college, taxes, insurance)

GROCERY SHOPPING

1.  Plan weekly meals and try to make only 1 trip a week to the grocery store.  Less time in the store cuts impulse buying.
2.  Don't go when you are hungry.  This also cuts impulse buying.
3.  Keep meals simple.
4.  Keep track of left overs in the refrigerator and freezer.
5.  Keep the refrigerator up to date - shortest shelf life in front.
6.  Build meals around left overs and sale items in the weekly circular from the store.
7.  If time allows check weekly specials at 2 or 3 stores.  Also watch drugstores for a few food specials.
8.  Don't buy more that you will use.  
9.  Cut back on individual servings unless it is a special sale.  It is much more economical to buy larger amounts and divide it at home into smaller reusable containers or zip bags.  Examples are juice, fruit, snack and cookie products.