 TITLE: How Can I Improve My Money Habits? CONTENT: How to Practice Healthy Credit Habits\n-------------------------------------\nGood credit habits and good money habits go hand in hand. Spend a little time learning how credit works—and how you can make it work for you. In the meantime, follow these four simple rules for maintaining your best credit score and keeping your credit report in top shape:\n1.  Pay bills on time. Every bill. Every time.\n2.  Keep your credit utilization low.\n3.  Check your credit regularly.\n4.  Apply for new credit only when necessary.\nHow to Spend Less and Start Saving More Money\n---------------------------------------------\nThere are many ways to spend less and save more. Only you know where you can best cut back. For many of us, it's not a matter of sweeping change: It's the accumulation of small efforts. To get your thinking started, consider these incremental changes:\n**Spend cash, not credit.** Budget out cash monthly or every payday to help limit your spending. When the cash is gone, your spending is done. Do you make a lot of online purchases? Use your debit card or load your budgeted amount onto a reloadable prepaid card. Your spending will end when your money runs out.\n**Try your hand at DIY.** Cook at home. Be your own barista. Mix your own cocktails. Take a stab at home repairs instead of calling a contractor. Even if you replace half of your expensive restaurant outings with home-cooked meals, you're likely to come out ahead.\n**Be patient.** Disable your automatic renewals. Ditch your unwanted subscriptions and memberships. Contemplating a large purchase? Make it a policy to leave the store or walk away from your computer for an hour before you complete your transaction to avoid impulse decisions. And don't spend money to save money: A sale is not an urgent event. END