Diana says...
Racking up costly and stressful debt expenses and not putting money aside for emergencies and fun splurges are things I see time and time again. Also, impulse spending can quickly burn up your cash and add fuel to your debts. Curb impulse shopping and credit card spending by using cash instead of plastic. Cut down on daily expense habits such as snacks, costly lunches, bottled water and that extra coffee. Instead, buy a case of water—not single bottles with inflated prices—and take one to go, buy snacks in bulk, and make all or even part of your lunch to reap big savings over time.

Diana Cawfield is an award-winning financial writer with more than 10 years experience. Send her your questions here.