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or convenience food. If it comes in a box or packet be suspicious because it is most likely to be expensive (and unhealthy).

Do not enter a grocery store without having a list. Plan your meals for the week while you are making your list so you only buy what you need. When you get to the store stick to your list. Try to buy fresh food instead of pre-prepared items. Fresh food is better for you anyway because it has less preservatives and colorings in it and is usually cheaper as well.

Now for your out standing bills. Sort them into the order of the date they are due to be paid. If your utility, phone or businesses that have provided you with goods or services bills are overdue make them a priority to be paid first. You need water and electricity and small business are trying to make a living too. When their invoices don't get paid they have to make up the costs some other way.

Ring all these companies up or go and see them to negotiate how you are going to pay them.

Utility companies will usually extend due dates or offer a way of paying in installments.

Businesses could be a bit trickier because you will really need to explain your situation to them before you can negotiate a deal. You should be able to come up with some sort of arrangement, after all they want their money to be paid and getting it in small installments is better than not getting it at all.

If you owe any of your friends or family money they will probably have the same attitude. Some may be disgruntled, others may say "don't worry about it until you sort yourself out".

Conversely if any of your friends or family owe you money don't be afraid to approach them and ask them for it. You should not have to explain details of your circumstances to friends and family unless it helps to get your money paid back quicker.

When you and your friends have paid each other back make a policy of never borrowing from each other again, unless you are in dire circumstances and have no other choice. Lending from people you know can get out of hand and will only cause rifts in relationships if money is not paid back within the agreed time.

Now for your credit cards. STOP SPENDING ON THEM NOW!

Hopefully now that you have extra income, have cut down on your spending and got your friends to pay you back you can now at least pay the minimum amount on each one.

If you can, great. Do so except for the one you owe the least on. Try to pay more than the minimum for this one. Do this each month (while still paying the minimum on

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