Save Money - Find it in Your Statements!

The Problem 

A big problem is that in this hectic world we live in these days, alot of people DON'T look at their credit card and bank statements. They get them in the mail, toss them on the desk or put them in the "To Pay" box. When it comes time to pay the bill, they pull the payment coupon off and write a check and just throw the bank statement in the "To Be Filed" box. They didn't look to see that they were charged $25 for a late payment last month or that they were charged $22 for overdraft fee from spending what they didn't have in the first place.

What could you do with an extra $25? Put it in your savings for that goal you are saving for. $25 will go a long way at the grocery store (with coupons!) or how about paying ahead on a utility bill?

Another part of the problem is that people think "Oh, it's just 25 bucks". Yes, it is $25 bucks but if you have 4 of these "just $25 bucks", suddenly you have $100 bucks! And that is alot to not think about having thrown away. Depending on what the fees are, and these credit cards can be rather hefty, especially with the credit companies increasing minimum payments, those late fees can add up faster than you think.

The Solution

Remember: Spending is not only related to the cash you have available, but also how you LOOK and USE the cash you have available.

Don't sweat about "balancing your checkbook". Do it the simple, common sense way. ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION!! Add your deposits in, and subtract the payments out - and watch your balance. THE ONLY MONEY YOU HAVE AVAILABLE TO SPEND IS THAT BALANCE. Don't spend more than your account's balance. Just because you have blank checks in the book, doesn't mean there is money to cover them! If your balance is $292, then you only have $292 to spend. Don't spend more than that until you make a deposit! It is quite simple and easy.