Stay out of the stores, period. Find some other type of entertainment other than shopping.

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

This is my advice also- The saying goes.... less is more

I AGREE!!! EVERY time I just run to store for milk and eggs, I end up buying at least $50 of stuff I use, but don't necessarily need. I am a shopaholic, but it's at the grocery store!

My advise would be...

Don't be too proud to except hand me downs. I have saved soooo much money the last six years getting hand me down clothes for my boys. Perfect clothes that my friend was just getting rid of. If i could calculate how much i've saved it would be amazing.

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Jodie....Wife to Andrew (1995)
Mommy to Riley (2000) and Wyatt (2003)

You would never walk by a dollar on the ground...Use coupons. Not using them is like throwing money away.

Learn the difference between "want" and "need". I hear about and see so many people who think they NEED new furniture, or a new outfit, or a new car, etc. Those aren't really NEEDS...they're wants. So only buy the things you need.

Can I give two?? Also, do NOT get into credit card debt. It's one thing to make large purchases on them and consistently pay them off, but to charge non necessities is just asking for trouble. Pay off the balance when you get the bill and don't carry a balance. If you have a balance left...DO NOT put anything else on the card.

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Stop trying to keep up with the Jonses! (They're probably in debt too, but hide it better )

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LISTS, LISTS, LISTS!! Make a menu and use it for your grocery list . Make a to do list so you are too busy to go out. Don't go to any store without a list, and don't buy ANYTHING that isn't on it.

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"Before I was a Mom I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body." ~Anonymous

Go check out Dave Ramsey's, "Financial Peace" book from the library. It is SO worth it.

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My biggest piece of advice is "quit thinking that you have to have everything". Whether it is the latest gadget, the newest trendiest outfit, or the newest release DVD/CD - you don't really need it. It just adds clutter and prolongs the payoff of other bills and might even add to the balance of other bills!!