• If you begin to make more money or receive bonuses, act like don’t have it. Save any additional increases or bonuses. Doing this can directly lead to taking an early retirement.
  • Don’t view tax refunds or cash gifts as a way to get extra stuff. Sock it away.
  • Stop living as if the future doesn’t exist, stop living in the moment.
  • Drive your car for 10 years, get the full value of out it. Never buy a (new) car because you feel like it. If it’s not possible to buy a car out-right and must finance it, don’t take out a loan longer than 3 years. If you can’t make the 3 year monthly payments then you can’t afford it.
  • Deny yourself in the moment to have the real life you want in the future.
  • No you don’t deserve it, we’ve all had a hard day.
  • Americans tend to treat themselves for every little thing. Stop being so kind to yourself.
  • Stop impressing people you don’t even know or like.
  • Pay cash for everything.
  • Never put groceries or incidentals on credit cards.
  • Make your own cup of joe and brown bag your lunch.
  • Buy groceries from stores that double coupons.
  • Lower or eliminate your premium cable TV package.
  • Borrow books from the library instead of paying full retail price for a new copy.
  • Take date-night outdoors instead of downtown.
  • Live on less than you make.
  • Find ways to bring in extra income.
  • Have a garage sale, sell off personal items you no longer use.
  • Be smart with the type of credit you do have to use.
  • Protect your family by buying only TERM life insurance with fixed premiums. You’ll waste money on any other type of life insurance plan.
  • Only buy no-load mutual funds. Buying no-loads saves 5% compared to loaded and commissioned funds.
  • Avoid international vacations while the dollar is down.
  • Here’s a comedic take on our nations credit card debt situation