*Wants* Anything that you would like to have to increase your quality of life, but you could survive without. Jewelery. Nights Out On The Town. Makeup. Video Games. ETC.

VS.

*Needs* Anything required in order for you to survive. Food. Water. Shelter. Clothing. ETC.

Always set realistic goals for yourself. By setting easier goals for you to accomplish at first, you will keep  yourself from becoming discouraged. For example, if you have a habit for purchasing clothes a little too often, cut back to buying one article of clothing each week and work yourself up until you only buy one piece of clothing per month.

Based on past trends in spending, food seems to consume most families income. It’s the same old story: You spend quite amount of money stocking your refrigerator with healthy delicious foods. After a late night at work, you are too tired to cook anything and decide to just pick something up for dinner.

Did you know that the average family of four can spend up to $50 on just one meal at a fast food restaurant?

So although food is a NEED, eating out and spending a weeks worth of groceries on one meal is not necessary. So the next time you plan to stop and pick some chow for the family at McD’s, ask yourself if making an extra payment on your car note or a cheeseburger is more important to you!

When it comes to making changes about how we spend our money on wants and needs, we need to be patient. Change takes time and it is not always going to be easy. If you family is accustomed to eating out constantly, then cut back to eating at least one meal a day at home and work your way up until you can eat 95% of your meals are at home. Your wallet will inevitably thank you, and so will your waistline!

Just think about how fantastic it will be to enjoy a delicious night out on the town with your spouse knowing that all of your bills are paid and you are debt free! ahh, the sweet feeling of no stress!