How to Stop Spending Money

Excuse #10: But I've Been So Bad Already

This is the equally toxic cousin to number nine. Sometimes when we screw up, we say, "What the heck, I'm so over budget already" and let the credit card fly. It's the "lost cause" kind of thinking, when in fact every day is a chance to start fresh and exercise that non-spending muscle. If you have a bad day, don't give up or beat yourself up. Just start the following day with an even stronger resolve. Everyone messes up—the key is what we do with our failures. Use your spending mistakes to inspire you to do better—don't give them more power by wallowing in them.