by James Currie

When you’re in the midst of battling your debt or saving up for your eventual retirement (yes, even in the midst of this economy), it may be tempting to search for financial advice that’s as long and complicated as the path to a debt-free and financially comfortable lifestyle. After all, if the process of getting rid of debt can take years, the best financial advice should be equally as long and complex, right?

Actually, some of the right debt-busting advice revolves around the oldest sayings in the book. Get ready to simply your money woes by following these little nuggets of financial advise, all of which are ten words or less:

No matter what, always make sure you put aside money from each paycheck. It can be easy to think that beating debt is all about making the big bucks; however, even the smallest contribution to your debt is a step towards the financial freedom that you’ve longed for. Small but steady steps are the surest way to win the debt race, and will turn that mountain of bills into a small molehill in no time.

Know the difference between your needs and wants. Sure, this may sound like an easy one to figure out; yet many consumers have forgotten the difference between items we truly need, and purchases that we think we need. Needs are things like food, shelter, utilities and other things that help us to survive; wants are the added luxuries that will just plummet you further into the debt cycle, making it impossible for you to get out.

Buy quality. Sure, being smart with your money is all about finding cheaper purchases when you can; however, if you can comfortably buy a high-quality item, then by all means do so. Why is this, you might ask? Simple: high-quality items are typically backed by a company who will fix the item when it breaks down or ceases to work. This will save you loads of money on maintenance in the long run.

Save today what you want tomorrow. Credit cards have made it all too easy to go out and purchase whatever we want without saving up for it. Yet if you want to break out of the debt cycle, you need to save up for those purchases that you want, as credit card balances will just keep you in that dreaded debt cycle. If you want that expensive mp3 player, then put aside money each month for it, since you’ll feel better listening to it knowing that it’s completely paid off!

If you need money, make more money. Feel like you don’t have enough money to take on your credit card bills? Instead of hoping to win the lottery, go out and make more money! You don’t have to get a second job to see a new income stream; try selling secondhand items to family members and friends, and applying that money to your debt.

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