Staying out of debt is a constant struggle for most Americans.  Our need for immediate gratification, an array of countless choices of products that are so readily available make it hard not to spend money.  There becomes a fine line between what we need and what we want that often gets crossed.  If we are not careful that line, once crossed becomes a mounting debt. 

The terms saving money and staying out of debt are often used interchangeably but they are two very different concepts.  The reality is that to save money you must first stay out of debt.  There are a few small things you can do that are fairly painless to stay out of debt. The little expenses add up over the long run.  Not spending a little at a time can help you to stay out of debt a little at a time. 

Don’t temp yourself:  If shopping is your downfall don’t put yourself in harms way.  Shopping has become more than just a means to get things we need.  It has turned into a leisure time activity, a way to spend time with the family or just a way to relax after work.  Browsing online or strolling through the mall leads to the temptation to spend money.  When you put yourself in situations that are risky the outcome is usually not a good one.  Finding other ways to spend your time is a lifestyle change that can result in not only staying out of debt but it will probably save you money.  

Freeze the card: We have all probably heard of the little trick of placing your credit card in a cup of water and putting it in the freezer to avoid using it. Freezing your card prevents you from having it for emergencies or vacations but not using it on impulse.  You have to wait for it to unfreeze before you can use it.  This little trick may not work that well today with online shopping and pay pal accounts it’s easier to charge without the actual card than it was in the past.  The concept however still holds true; waiting a day or two before making a purchase can force you to really think about if it’s a need or a want.  Sometimes delaying an impulse helps you to put things in perspective. If you have to wait until tomorrow to buy it you might decide you don’t really need it. 

  
Don’t carry more money on you than you need for the day:  Carrying multiple credit cards or large amounts of cash is not only dangerous it’s also tempting.  If you have multiple credit cards consider consolidating this to one card.  Sometimes having multiple forms of spending power such as cash or credit cards is a green light to spend.  If you find yourself borrowing the mall on your lunch break having that credit card may just be enough reason to pick up a few things.  Carry on you only what you need for the day, this helps you to avoid impulsive purchases, be this at the grocery store or the mall or even the gas station.  Having to be thoughtful about what you buy can help save you money in the long run.