Have You Got Money Flu?

Whether it’s keeping up with the constant string of parties or your inability to resist the ‘bargain’ sales, affluenza (living beyond your means) is highly contagious. Luckily for you, after a quick consultation with our experts, you can boost your immunity and your bank balance.

SYMPTOM: You can’t separate ‘want’ from ‘need’	OK, it’s winter and of course a nice coat is essential, but do you really need a brand new one? We’re all guilty of spending on the non-essentials, but if you regularly put off paying the electricity bill because you’ve convinced yourself you ‘need’ something else, it’s a problem. CURE: ‘Work out how much cash you have left after paying off your bills,’ says Katie Edwards, from debt experts Ladies In The Red. ‘If all you have left is money on your credit card, that’s not spare cash. Prevent irrational spending by locking your credit card in a box, hiding it and giving the key to a trusted friend. Then sew some new buttons on your old coat.’
SYMPTOM: You can’t resist treating yourself
SYMPTOM: You struggle to keep up with your friends
SYMPTOM: You can’t resist the sales

Author: Katy Massey and Rosie Mullender