• Do you know what your monthly living expenses are?
• Is more than 20% of your take home pay committed to debt installment payments?
• Have you ever taken out a loan to pay for day to day living expenses?
• Do you receive shut-off and collections notices on a regular basis?
• Are your spending habits impulsive or compulsive?
• Are you in a financial crisis?
• Do you move or change jobs frequently?

If you have answered "YES" to any of these questions, you may need help! Here are some tips:

Improve Your Spending!

• Don't impulse buy.
• Put items on a list and wait 30 days to purchase.
• Obtain at least 3 cost comparison prices before you purchase.
• Become a "comparison shopper" on all items that you purchase.
• Wait for items to go on sale.
• Always use a list when buying groceries and household items.
• Buy private label brands where they are economical and practical.
• Write checks for the amount of purchase only.
• Maintain good records and keep your receipts.

Credit Cards Can Be a Problem...

• When they increase the temptation to overspend.
• When used for nonessential purchases.
• When impulsive spending increases.
• When payments are partial or late.
• When you are facing bankruptcy.

Using Credit Cards? Follow These Tips!

• Only carry one or two credit cards.
• Use them only for essential purchases.
• Carry your credit cards separately from your purse or wallet.
• Always keep your card in view when you hand it to a merchant.
• Destroy all carbons.
• Don't ever lend your credit card to anyone.
• Report any questionable charges immediately.
• Don't sign blank charge vouchers.
• Don't give credit card numbers out over the phone on calls that you did not originate.

A Few More Tips for Rebuilding Credit ...

• As far as your credit rating is concerned, it doesn't matter whether you charge large purchases and pay them off over time, or pay them off right away. But if your goal is to build a credit history, you must use your card and keep it active.
• Always make at least the minimum payment before the due date.