Living from paycheck to paycheck is not living - it's merely waiting for financial catastrophe to happen. And it will, believe me. If you are just one unexpected bill away from bankruptcy, then you need to keep reading. It may literally change the way you view your future.

Our lives are comprised of consumption. The necessities are always there...food, fuel, clothing and a roof over our heads. Those are the needs, but unfortunately it's the wants that get us into most of the trouble. Transportation, vacations, gadgets, recreation... these expenses can add up to a big portion of our income. When the paycheck runs out and we still want what we want...that's when credit cards can become a big problem for the majority of Americans. We feel because we work "hard" for 40 or more hours a week, we deserve to live a little on our time off. Where we got this notion, I'm not sure, but it has been the downfall of many a nuclear family in the recent few years. If only they would have taken a few moments to think about what is important, perhaps financial disaster could have been averted.

Living on a budget and staying debt-free is not difficult, but it does involve some self-examination, willpower and a little elbow grease. Take some time right now to evaluate your expenses on a weekly basis and determine how you can continue to get what you want, and what you need, while spending less money in the process.

It all comes down to choices. For every thing you consume (or buy,) there is a cheaper alternative. You either just didn't know, were too lazy to care, or didn't choose to spend the time to investigate your options. Let me give you a few examples.

1. Food

Americans are fast-food junkies. Did you know that it costs approximately 80% more to purchase prepared food than it does to fix it yourself? If you make a conscience choice to skip Burger King or McDonald's and go to the grocery store to buy the ingredients yourself - you will save money. If a particular food you like is on sale this week - stock up! Canned goods and food you can freeze to use a few months from now will cost less now than later. Cooking or baking for yourself and/or your family is satisfying and heck, you might even find that you are a good cook and actually appreciate knowing what you are putting into your body. You can do it - bake your own bread, brew your own coffee, grill out a few nights a week - you will be astonished at how much you save in just

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