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How to Improve Your Finances in Your Twenties
By Abby Reid

Let's face it. After college graduation, many people in their twenties are strapped for cash. Student loans, car payments, monthly rent and grocery bills can quickly drain a wallet or bank account. Still, there is no need to declare bankruptcy or go into massive credit card debt. By employing a few smart, money-saving strategies, nearly everyone can successfully manage a budget, no matter how small.



Don't spend money you don't have. While it may seem easy to use credit cards to pay for necessities like clothing or groceries, high interest rates can double or triple the initial cost of a few cans of chicken noodle soup. Don't spend money you do! n't actually have. Avoid using credit cards as much as possible, unless you are sure that you can pay the bill the next month.

Keep track of your expenditures. Studies show that dieters who keep track of their daily food intake lose twice as much weight as those who do not. Why? If you are forced to write down a splurge, you are less likely to do it. The same applies to finances. If you must record every dollar that leaves your pocket, you are less likely to purchase things you don't really need.

Take advantage of store coupons and weekly deals. Sign up for your grocery store's weekly flyer. Keep an eye out for discounts or deals. Just make sure that you purchase only the items you need. Do not buy something that you are unlikely to use simply because it is cheap.

Lower your heating or air conditioning bills. During the summer, keep your thermostat at 75 degrees. During the winter, keeping your home or apartment's temperature set at 63 degre! es can significantly lower your gas, heating and air condition! ing bill s.

Pay back your loans as much as you can. Do not defer your student loan or credit card payments. The interest rate will only continue to increase. If your accounts are in good standing, you can often call your Loan Company and sign up for a lower rate. Some companies also offer a lowered interest rate if you enroll in automatic draft.

Eat out less often. Americans spend 40% of their food bills on restaurants. By dining out merely one less time per week, you can save up to $60, the average cost of a cell phone bill. Bring your lunch to work in lieu of ordering pizza every day.

Buy a car that is gas efficient. An SUV may look good, but if you're young, single and in your 20s, you probably don't need it. Gas prices are high, and buying a smaller, more fuel-efficient car will save you ample amounts of cash in the long run.

Take advantage of garage sales and thrift stores. Many of the items that these types of shops contain are practi! cally new and unused. You can buy clothes, dishes and furniture for up to 75% off the original price.

Learning to spend wisely is a habit that takes planning and discipline. Even though you may have to suffer through low-income jobs and staggering debt in your 20s, you can still become financially stable and responsible.

Advantage Credit Counseling Service provides individualized attention to those interested in getting out of debt. They offer free online credit counseling and resources on their web site for helping you begin to make changes in your credit score. You will be able to start budgeting and saving your money, improve your credit score, and begin to make smarter financial decisions.

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