Start Early…… the earlier the better.

1. Get children involved in saving a portion of their allowance.
2. Save something from every paycheck….every single one.
3. Pay yourself first….always. Put it immediately into your savings account.
4. Don’t spend what you don’t have….live within your paycheck.
5. If you can’t pay your credit card bill in full when due….stop using it.
6. Pay off your outstanding debt (credit cards, college loans)…. asap.
7. Make a list of all your expenses….add in everything, including savings. Add up all your expenses…..now, do they fit into your take home pay?
8. If not, back off on incidentals, eating out, gift giving, shopping sprees, etc.
9. Your rent/mortgage should not be more than 1/3 of your income.
10. Make a workable budget and stick to it…. from now on.