Shopping

• If you have to use your credit card to buy items, ensure you run the numbers in your budget so you know you can afford the monthly repayments. Be careful as credit cards are a trap and you end up paying a huge amount for each item because of the additional interest.
  
• Know what you want to buy and distinguish between what is a 'nice to have' and what is a must have.
  
• Don't pay full price unless you absolutely have to. It never hurts to at least ask for a discount. If you don't ask the answer is instantly no. If you ask (especially if you are prepared to walk away if they won't) then you never know what you might save.
  
• Be disciplined with yourself and your family member and learn to say 'no'. It is best to explain why you have made this decision and what the benefits will be down the track such as going on a holiday or getting a new car.
  
• If you find that you can't control your desires to spend money, try putting something on your purse / in your wallet that will trigger you to remember how hard it is to pay the bills / pay off the credit card. A coloured sticker, a photo of the kids, a sad face or anything that will prompt you to think twice before pulling out the cash / credit card will work.

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