Saving for the future needs of your family requires some fundamental planning and basic habit forming.
These include keeping track of your spending and simplifying (reducing) your spending. Think of this as dieting.
In order to really lose weight there's watching your intake and exercise - that's all there is to it - no easy road.

Keeping Track of Spending
The only way to know what you are spending is to keep track of every dollar.
This will allow you to see where you are spending money needlessly or carelessly.
A full six months is needed for a diagnosis - and continuing to track spending is the only real way to
get a handle on were your money goes.
Some spending is seasonal - the holidays, birthdays, special recurring events.
Some spending is time-related - child-care spending will go away when Jockomo starts school.
Some spending is sneaky - a toilet that runs or a water supply pipe that leaks can cost you a dollar a day or more.
    Drafty windows let out the air you've spent money to heat in the winter.
    Buying cheaper goods might not save money in the long run if they need to be replaced sooner.

It goes without saying that you can't deny spending that actually happens.
You have to be honest and firm.

Once you find places to reduce spending, work on them according to your ability for the next six months.

Limiting Daily, Weekly and Monthly Spending

Here's some of those habits you can learn:

• Carry only the cash you need for that day
• Leave ATM cards, checkbooks, & credit cards at home whenever possible
• Recognize impulse spending -- Is it a need or a want?
• Allow a cooling off period before before you buy (at least 24 hours, whenever possible)
• Pay attention to where the money goes, track checks, credit card receipts, & cash receipts

(You may want to group by type of expense)
• Shop with a list at all times -- not just at the grocery store!
• Give yourself & other family members an allowance and stick to it.

• Establish a written spending plan and stick to it. Only allow spending to enter your plan after careful consideration by all wage earners in the family.
• Plan ahead for yearly expenses and save one-twelfth each month accordingly, in addition to saving for specific goals.
• Spend smarter - take advantage of sales, cut down on credit card usage, avoid impulse buying, comparison shop for everything from groceries to insurance coverage.
• Pay down credit card debt as quickly as possible. CCCS recommends the "power payment method" -pay extra on the smallest debt until paid, then pay that extra amount on the next smallest balance, repeating this practice until all the cards are paid. Reduce the number of cards as accounts are paid.
• Reduce your tax liability as much as possible. Explore all viable options.
• Review spending and savings practices several times a year to determine where adjustments need to be made. Maintain records to assist you in assessing variances in spending and expenses.

Couples & Money - 'Til Debt Do Us Part'

• Sometimes opposites do attract. Spenders will often pair with savers - increasing the likelihood for tension over money in the relationship.
• Women generally are the money managers in the relationship - responsible for budgeting, balancing the checkbook, etc. with little or no input from their partner. Men tend to involve themselves in longer-term issues such as investments or insurance, with little or no input from their partner.
• Talking about money with or in front of the children in your home may have been taboo, yet your folks argued about money. By sheltering you from frank talk about the family’s budget and debt obligations, you may feel overwhelmed by money issues in the relationship and be unable to communicate with your partner effectively.
• Money causes more arguments than any other family problem - often leading to various forms of abuse and divorce.
• This is my money and this is yours. It is natural to feel a bit greedy of our income and perhaps even jealous of our spouse’s salary. It is unhealthy to be deceptive and to not equally share the budget expenses. Chances are that you and your partner have had no money management education.

• Discuss financial goals with your partner. Consider whether one or both of you should work more hours to boost income or fewer hours to spend more time with your family.
• Set savings goals, including an emergency fund to cover about six months of expenses.
• Communicate often about financial matters, especially as circumstances change, but never when you’re angry. Make a weekly date to discuss money, and hold all questions until then.
• Never make a major purchase without consulting the partner. Likewise, keep smaller credit purchases to a minimum. Use the three month rule - if you can’t  pay off the purchase in three months - you can’t afford it.
• Adults need an allowance - cash they can freely spend without having to answer to the partner for.
• Become a savvy consumer - comparison shop, invest early, save appropriately, spend cash whenever possible, use credit sparingly.

More Information
                       CCCS | P.O. Box 7789 | Corpus Christi, TX 78467
          361.854.4357 | Toll-Free: 877.854.2227 | Fax: 877.851.0247 | info@cccsstx.org |

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