Whatever the reason, you are in a situation where you have the option to spend your money or not. Learn to recognize the "triggers" in your surroundings that got your attention and tempted you to buy. Stores often place their merchandise in a location to attract your attention.

Temptations can also be people, places, things, or even the mood you are in. Do you find you self spending more money when you go shopping with a certain friend? Do you spend money when you are feeling "blue"? Learn to control the environment so you can shop wisely.

How do you practice self-control? It's a slow process. Decide which strategies you are willing to try. Set some realistic deadlines for yourself. There has been some psychological research done indicating it takes twenty-one days to break an old habit and form a new one. So don't expect miracles to happen overnight.

We have also learned through weight control research on behavior modification that it is difficult to change all old habits at once. Just take one habit you want to change and work on it until you succeed and then move on to the next one. Be sure to set realistic goals and realistic deadlines. Do not go on indefinitely, that's just procrastination. Develop a plan that will give you measurable results. For example, you can measure how much you have saved by not smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.

Put your plan into action. Start today with your new plan. Launch your new plan with as strong a push as possible. Make an open commitment so others in your family know you are serious about reaching this goal. Arrange your environment to encourage your new habit. Practice it daily.

Do something every day to reach your goal. Don't allow an exception to occur until the new behavior is part of your daily life and above all--don't get discouraged. Good money management habits mean getting the most for your money. Look at your habits today--are you getting the most for your money?

Here are some other suggestions that might be helpful:


• Avoid exposing yourself to things which will tempt you to spend. Stay away from the stores except when you have something you absolutely need to buy. Make a list and stick to it when shopping and then leave the store. Just browsing can lead to buying.
  
  
• Plan your shopping. Go with a purpose in mind. Use that list! Extras you don't really need can certainly push up the total at the cash register.
  
  
• Limit your number of trips to the store or the mall.
  
  
• Don't shop in a weakened condition by shopping when hungry, tired, or depressed you may find you will have a tendency to overspend.