Everywhere you go everyone is saying the same thing: "I can't keep up with my bills!"

It seems as though as soon as you manage to pay one stack of bills, the month flicks over and then in comes the next lot. Rising utility costs, ongoing taxation at every level, rising fuel prices and higher food costs all combine to eat into your weekly pay packet. How can you possibly get ahead?

Add to the above the fact that most people also have a hefty mortgage to meet, motor vehicle repayments and several credit cards and store cards that they are paying off and it is little wonder that the money runs out long before the week runs out. And on top of all this there is the usual maintenance and breakdown repair costs of the greatest money drain of all - the motor vehicle.

Sound familiar?

OK. Enough of the problem. What can you do? Here are some tips:

1. Recognize that unless you do SOMETHING SOON to correct your situation or habits then things are definitely not going to get better. Read that last sentence again. In fact, there is a high probability that it will get worse.

2. Look at whatever credit or store cards you have and pick the one out that has the highest monthly interest rate then commit yourself to paying it off - bit by bit.

3. If your discipline is low then take a pair of scissors and cut that credit card into little pieces. That in itself will give you a sense of control because you have removed temptation from right before your eyes. You will EMPOWER yourself.

4. Look for areas of waste. EVERYBODY wastes money. Don't be so impulsive with the way that you spend money. If you see something that you want, pause, walk away, think about it. That tip alone will save you heaps of money.

5. Keep a large banknote in your purse or wallet and - this is really important - DON'T spend it. That will allow you to feel comfortable having money. It will build discipline like nothing else!

6. Most importantly - EDUCATE YOURSELF. Educate yourself on financial matters. If you don't understand how to use money then the smart money people will find ways of doing it for you. Remaining ignorant is a life-long sentence to staying in debt and long-term poverty. Is that what you want?

There is no sane reason why anybody would want to remain a slave to ongoing debt. Just remember, if you enjoy being controlled by never ending bills then all you have to do is nothing at all. Simple. Stay the way you are. Debt will haunt you until the day you die. The sooner you commence getting debt under control the better. A delay of even one day is another day shackled to debt mentality.

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