Surviving Tough Financial Times

Financial and Shopping Tips

General Finance Tips

• Consider needs vs. wants
• Have savings
• Keep budget
• Write every expense down
• Know true cost of consumer debt

Spending Tips

• Don't charge items less than $10
• Use debit cards, cash and checks
• Don't ignore warning signs
• Get credit report: www.AnnualCreditReport.com

Savings Tips

• Change housing situation
• Get rid of a car
• Use public schools
• Get a second job
• Quit costly habits
• Live more simply

Debt Plan

• Make list of all debts
• Pay off highest-risk, non-deductible debt
• Don't tap retirement to pay debt
• Avoid home equity loans
• Don't transfer payments
• Don't consolidate debts
• Research counseling agencies

Shopping And Cooking Tips

• Cook more, or learn how to cook!
• Freeze extras for "plan-overs"
• Shop the perimeter of grocery stores
• Shop with a list & stick to it
• Start a garden
• Use unit pricing to compare products
• Shop at discount or surplus stores
• Plan meals around rice, pasta and potatoes
• Don't buy bottled water
• Avoid most coupons

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