Money Management Strategies

* Get serious about the business of money. * Keep a list of your goals to remind yourself why you don't want to overspend. * Keep your checkbook up to date. * For highest earnings on savings, get highest interest paid, most frequent compounding, least amount of service charges. * The longer you borrow money, the more interest you will pay. * Use one bank for as many services as possible, to develop a "Preferred Customer" status. * Minimize number and usage of credit cards. Minimizing accounts will also minimize postage. * Keep track of credit card purchases so you can pay bills in full before you are charged interest. * Never sign anything you do not understand. * Plan how to spend your money before you get it. When money for any budget category is gone, stop spending in that category. * After paying off a loan, contribute your new excess to savings. * Never buy any big ticket item the same day you choose it. * Keep savings account deposit slips with bills to be paid, so as you pay your bills, you pay yourself, too. * Learn to manage your own investments. * Examine your attitude! Consider budgeting as a reward system, not a deprivation system.