Worry #1: I Spend Too Much
Do Right Now:
Make shopping harder. First, delete bookmarked shopping sites from your computer. Next, gather the pile of catalogs by your bed, call the toll-free number for each, and ask to be removed from the firm’s mailing list. Or go to www.catalogchoice.org, a free service that helps you unsubscribe from hundreds of catalogs.Open your wallet and remove all but one credit card.
Change some of your everyday habits. Plot out the most risk-free routes to and from work and on your daily errands. Cut out convenience foods.
Next Steps:
Try cash. You’ve heard this before, but it bears repeating: If you don’t put purchases on a credit card, it’s impossible to spend more than you earn.
Worry #2: High Gas Prices
Do Right Now:
Go to www.gasbuddy.com and enter your ZIP code.
Clean out the junk in your trunk.
Next Steps:
Check your oil, air filter, and tire pressure. Keeping your car well tuned can increase fuel efficiency by up to 17 percent, according to the DOE.
Treat your car like your skin. Keep it out of the sun whenever possible, because gasoline can evaporate right out of the tank (especially when the cap isn’t screwed on tight), and it evaporates faster when the car is hotter.
Buy a fuel-efficient car.
Worry #3: I Save Too Little
Do Right Now:
Make your savings goals feel intensely real.
Open a 401(k) retirement account.
Start a savings fund for immediate needs.
Next Steps:
Invest wisely. Move your savings into a mutual fund.
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