 TITLE: How Can I Improve My Money Habits? CONTENT: Common Bad Money Habits to Break\n--------------------------------\nCreating a budget, staying up to date on your credit and automating your savings can build a foundation for better money management. But, in truth, breaking some of the most common bad money habits is also critical. Here are three to keep in mind:\n**Overspending on credit cards.** Any overspending is a potential problem, but overspending on credit cards tends to compound the issue. It's easy to overspend on credit cards, and your balance will only get harder to tackle once interest starts to accrue. Before you know it, you've used up a large portion of your available credit, lowered your credit score and created a mountain of debt that will be difficult to overcome. If possible, bring your credit card balances down to zero before the end of your billing period to prevent debt from spiraling out of control. Only charge what you know you can afford or have a plan for paying off over time.\n**Flying blind.** You can't stick to a budget if you don't have one. Set spending targets, track your transactions, and review ongoing expenses like insurance and phone plans to see whether you have opportunities to save. Though you may not think of these options often, consolidating credit card debt or refinancing your home could save you money.\n**Neglecting to save.** While it's important for you to stick to a budget, it's also good to remember that life has a way of throwing you off your game. Unexpected life events, financial setbacks, broken appliances, the dream of retirement—they all point to the value of saving. Don't neglect to set money aside for these things; you'll be glad you did when the time comes that you need it. END