For many people, getting ahead means spending less.
But when you have as much going out each week as coming in, it's not always obvious where you can trim your budget. A quick way to make a difference is to consider how you're spending your money.
Here are a few types of shopping to try to avoid if you want to save money.
Cheer-up
Lots of people go out and spend money when they're not feeling great. It can be a short-term lift if you pick up something you've wanted for a while or that really catches your eye. But if you can't afford it, or you get into debt to make the purchase, it can end up leaving you feel even worse than you did before. Related to this is bored shopping – when you or the kids are at a loose end so you go and traipse around Kmart. You emerge an hour later $100 poorer and aren't always quite sure what you gained.