Controlling spending is one of the most important habits that a person must exercise in order to ensure not only future, but any kind of financial success.
Sadly, today most people are convinced that they need much more to live on than they truly do, this is the catch 22 of our society.
The idea that we need more, in our never ending quest for happiness and for many of us, unplanned, unaware spending is the crux of the matter.
The first thing that could be done to avoid over spending, is to develop a budget.
This budget should be put in writing, and strictly adhered to.
It should be checked several times a week, in order to make sure that you are on track.
There is something about having a written plan that makes it easier to consult as an authority than holding it in your head.
Most uncontrolled spending is the result of impulse buying and lack of planning.
One must Understand that retailers, restaurant owners, and service providers are all aware of this.
These companies actually count on emotional spending to keep their business profitable.
Just because an item is on sale does not mean that it is a bargain, like the lady who started smoking while on holiday in Europe because the cigarettes were so much cheaper than in the US, a bargain you don't need is not a bargain at all.
Ask yourself, if what you already have will do the job properly or even well enough.
If the answer is yes, then apart from the media induced lust for the newer, better shiny version, there is really no reason that you need to spend more on a new one.
Often times people will buy for the future, only to find than an item has become obsolete no sooner than it is bought, an unfortunate an unnecessary waste of money.
As much as we all enjoy it, eating out is an added, unnecessary expense.
Of course it is fine to treat yourself once in a while, but not every day.
Bring a bagged lunch.
Remember, this does not mean you have to eat a sandwich for lunch every day.
On the contrary, use last nights left over dinner to create a spectacular and delicious lunch for the next day, which will so often be much more healthy.
Eat lunch at the office and then go for a walk.
Your waste line and your check book will both thank you for it.
Turn off the lights, turn down the heat, and only purchase what you need today.
These are a few of the habits worth developing which help to control spending habits.
Plus if you have being previously undisciplined in using a credit card, and chalked up plenty of debt it may be time to locate the scissors and apply for a Pre-Paid Credit Card instead of the traditional 'spend what you don't have type.
Or if you are already maxed out to the uttermost in debt and don't know how to stop it might be time to look for Debt Management Solutions help.