Yes, You Can Spend Smarter.

Why does it seem like every time you take a look at your most active checking account balance, there is less in it than you know it should be? Now I understand the old saying, "money is made to be spent", but this is getting ridiculous. If it seems like more money is going out than there is money coming in, you need to get control of this situation fast. $100 does not go as far as it used to back in the day.

Bleeding money is just like bleeding blood, if you lose to much, you will eventually die, in this case financially. But there are some areas that you may be overlooking and you will find that more than a few Benjamin's are escaping right under your nose.I had to get complete control of my money situation and maybe you can check these same areas where you my be hemorrhaging your hard earned dollars with focus and discipline to get back on financial track...

1. Unplug The Unused. We all have cell phone adapters, TV's, and other devices that are always plugged in that are constantly sipping power, even if they are not being used. Why does that lamp and TV in those extra rooms need to be plugged in when no one is there? Drills, DVD/VCR'S, and other miscellaneous electric devices that are always plugged in will keep an electric bill higher than it should be. So if its not being used, save yourself a buck and unplug.

2. Put The Card Away & Carry Cash. Having a debit or credit card is extremely convenient but can also be extremely tempting. Plastic gives the impression that you have more to spend than you really do or even want to spend. Carrying cash sets a limit or boundary on what you can do because you know its exact amount. That is all you have you have on you. You do not need access to your entire life savings to make trip to Wal-Mart, McDonald's, or to work! Or do you? Not to mention that by using overdraft fees and penalties, banks and credit card companies are cashing in on your inability to control yourself with your cards. Put them away for safe keeping and only take them out when you about to go pay bills, to withdraw cash or if you are going out of town. Give the card a break and go back to the old green-back.

3. Research & Look For One-Time Buys. I hate nothing more than having to buy an item I have bought before, especially in a short period of time. Double-buying is absurd. Unless you live with a thief or you are a forgetful hoarder, double-buying is an unexplained phenomena. There are 2 main reasons for buying the same item more than once; either it was cheaply made to begin with and it is not durable and was not built to last or you did not take good care of it. Either way, it is your fault. Research expensive items like flat screen TV's, high-end cell phones, blue ray players, video game, systems, laptops, cars, etc. When video games and CD's get scratched easily and do not work, we run out and buy new ones. Always get the warranty when buying new electrics. If you have a car you are not driving, disconnect the battery, to avoid having to buy another one. When buying tires for your car, having a lifetime warranty is good here as well. Keep your receipts and records of expensive items put away and listed on your insurance, so just in case of a vengeful act of God, your covered. Seeing as these new cars have keys with chips in them that are an expensive pain to get remade, practice a habit of always put your keys in the same pocket, or purse compartment and in the same places at home as well. Nothing hurts your wallet worse than a preventable double-buy or accidental carelessness. It pays to be responsible...

4. Always Be On The Look Out For Better Deals. If your a conscious shopper, then you know a good deal when you see one. Not just on items and devices, but also on your necessary services like banking, insurance, utility services, etc., and there is no reason to pass up a deal if it is a good one and it can not be beat. Do research online and actually read billing statements from services that you are paying for and that are being provided to you. There are very few customer-friendly companies that provide the big 3: (1)Great customer service, (2)A great product, (3)at a great price! But if you know your needs and they value your business, most will work with you. Now I understand that if the product is great and the customer service is great, then you might not mind paying more out of pocket. However, if your willing to settle for 2-out-of-the-3, just remember that sometimes when you settle for less, you sometimes get less than you settle for...

Just remember that you are in control of your finances. So if you have a spouse who spends first and deals with the consequences later or you always find yourself with a migraine looking over your bills and feeling overwhelmed, do not panic! Wake up and take action! We are addicted to Wal-Mart, fast food, expensive cable TV and cell phones, so set limits! Whether if you start making your lunch instead of eating out everyday, freezing your credit cards in a block of ice(seems dramatic, but I heard it works), carrying cash or shopping for used items on sites like craigslist or from friends and family to save a few bucks, just take your foot off of your wallets back. You work hard to make a living, which means you will have to work just as hard, if not harder, to maintain it. Know the difference between stressing about paying your bills because your over-spending and stressing about which item you should buy, because now you can afford it. Your wallet will thank you...