Tips to Remember

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You think you save money. You use coupons. You buy in bulk. But are you really saving money?

If you get items because they're on sale, you aren't saving. It's not a bargain if you don't need it.
Reconsider luxuries. They have a tendency to become necessities. If you live a little below your means, your money will go farther.
New cars lose as much as one third of their value in the first year. If you must buy a car, you could save thousands buying a used one from a reputable dealer.
Check bills for errors.
Do things for yourself that you used to pay for (ironing your own shirts or mowing your lawn, for example).
Make shopping lists and stick to them.
If rates are low and you own a home, you may want to consider refinancing your mortgage. Explore a reverse mortgage for your retirement years.
Compare prices at three stores before making a major purchase. Buy used items and seconds when practical.
Treat everything you own as valuable. Make things last. Don't throw things out until they wear out.

Top 10 Tips to Help You Become a Responsible Consumer

After you've decided on the type of credit you need and how much you can afford, follow these steps for maintaining a good credit history.

Shop around for the best credit terms.
Understand the terms of the agreement before you accept a loan or credit card.
Save money each payday for emergencies.
Set a monthly limit for charges and stick to it.
Shop as carefully with credit as you do with cash.
Don't take on monthly credit payments unless you're certain you can meet them.
Pay bills promptly and in full to keep finance charges low.
If you charge day-to-day expenses, pay them in full each month.
Keep credit card information (including phone number of issuer) in a safe place in case your cards are lost or stolen.
Keep copies of sales slips and compare charges when bills arrive. If there's a mistake, call your issuer right away.

5 Steps to Freedom from Debt

1. Negotiate a better rate. Call your creditors and request that they reduce your interest rates. Credit card companies have tons of programs for people with special needs.

2. Consider balance transfers. Take advantage of cards with lower interest rates, but remember to read the fine print to make sure you are not moving your balances to low introductory rates only to have the rates balloon again in a few months.

Beware of scams. Run from �experts� who claim they can make your debts disappear. If you decide to go to a nonprofit debt counseling agency or a loan consolidation company, check it out with your local Better Business Bureau.

Build a cash cushion. Part of the reason you are in debrt right now is because you have not saved in the past and you had no cash cushion. Start now to build an emergency fund.

Finally, forgive yourself. Lose the shame. Just know it is just a matter of learning how to dig out, getting a plan together and figuring out how to never let it happen again.

You can be free again. Follow the steps and take your time. After all, it did not happen overnight!

Love your heart, and it will take care of you for a lifetime. Several risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease are within your control. To adopt a heart-smart lifestyle:

Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Choose lean meats and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Don�t smoke and don�t drink alcohol to excess.
Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly.

Stress Management Tips Worth Trying

If you are feeling overwhelmed, please consider these general tips for combating stress:

Don�t go it alone. Talk with a trusted friend, family member, clergy or a counselor.
Exercise daily. Even 15 minutes per day can have a dramatic, positive effect.
Sleep better. Most adults need eight to nine hours per night.