Stay on Track

Write down your SMART goals. Keep them visible by taping them to your bathroom mirror or refrigerator. Read them aloud every day to stay focused on them.

Keep a spending diary for a week. Compare the items in your spending diary with the items on the “My Spending Leaks” worksheet. Do you have any spending leaks? Can you change the way you spend money? Can you pay yourself first with money saved by plugging a spending leak?

Comparison shop. If you’re thinking of buying something that costs more than $100, wait two days before you buy it. You might find you don’t need it or want it anymore.

Avoid check-cashing stores, payday loan services, pawnshops, and rent-to-own stores.