Would you like to have an extra hundred dollars to spend each month? Quit paying late fees. One of the ways that credit card companies and banks make money is to charge you overdraft and late fees. Stop putting yourself in a position to pay these fees. If you keep overdrawing your bank account, then close it and pay by money order. While this may be very inconvenient, it will help you to break a bad habit. Call your credit card company and see if you can arrange for your monthly payment to be due at a different time from your rent payment. Then, plan to mail that payment at least seven days before the due date. This step will keep you from going deeper into debt, so it is very important.

Are you ready (or almost ready) to spend only what you can afford? Go to Step Nine.