How to End Up In Debt Without Even Trying

Trying hard to stay out of debt, but still falling further behind each month? Here are five reasons that may be happening. You:

Operate without an Emergency Fund
The unexpected happens; and if you haven’t planned for it, it’s probably going to cause you to go into debt. Set up an emergency fund to cover those unexpected medical bills, car repairs and other spur-of-the-moment expenses that crop up, and keep your credit card out of it.

• Starting an Emergency Fund

Allow Yourself to Splurge.
We all deserve the occasional treat, but spending money you don’t have is never a treat—even if that money is used to buy something really cool. Restrict your splurge spending to what you can afford now, and you’ll be treating yourself to a better financial situation today and into the future.

Pay Off Debt Without Feeling Deprived
• Delayed Gratification &

The Debt Free Lifestyle
Pay Full Price for ThingsBuying things at retail when you could have bought them on sale or with coupons is like throwing money away—and that just doesn’t make sense (especially when you’re in debt). Strive to get the best deal on everything you need, from your car to your groceries to your electric bill and everything in between. If this seems like a hassle, just remember: it’s a lot less painful to whip out a coupon than it is to whip out a credit card.

• How to Get Free Groceries
• Eat Out for Less
• Simple Ways to Keep Your Heating Costs Down

Ignore the Need for a Budget
Think budgets are overrated? Then, expect to find your credit cards over charged. Why? Because, if you don’t now how much money you have, and how it is spent, you can’t begin to make decisions about whether you’re spending your money wisely or whether you can afford to buy something. You’re just spending blindly, and hoping everything turns out well—not a good strategy.

• Live the Cash-Only Lifestyle

Create a Budget, but Don’t Follow It
Budgets are great, but here’s a funny thing about them: they only work when you follow them.
Commit your budget goals to memory; remind yourself of those goals as you spend; and track your progress towards those goals throughout the month. It’s the only way to take your budget from paper to reality.

• Simple Ways to Restrict Your Spending