Tips to Decrease Spending

• Carry only small amounts of cash in your wallet so you won’t spend it.
• Use direct deposit. You will be less likely to spend money if it goes straight into your account.
• Control your use of credit cards.
• Don’t go shopping just for fun.
• Take your written savings goals with you as a reminder.
• Buy only what you need—don’t buy things just because they are on sale.
• Use coupons to save money.
• Use a grocery-shopping list to prevent impulse-buying.
• Take your lunch to work instead of eating out.
• Shop around to get the best deal for big-ticket items, like cars and appliances.
• Pay your bills on time to avoid late fees, extra finance charges, utilities being turned off, eviction, repossessions, and the costs of a bad credit rating.

*This personal finance tip is taken from the FDIC’s Money Smart curriculum. For more information on Money Smart, visit www.fdic.gov.