Everywhere you go everyone is saying the same thing: "I can't keep up with my bills!"

It seems as though as soon as you manage to pay one stack of bills, the month flicks over and then in comes the next lot. Rising utility costs, ongoing taxation at every level, rising fuel prices and higher food costs all combine to eat into your weekly pay packet. How can you possibly get ahead?

Add to the above the fact that most people also have a hefty mortgage to meet, motor vehicle repayments and several credit cards and store cards that they are paying off and it is little wonder that the money runs out long before the week runs out. And on top of all this there is the usual maintenance and breakdown repair costs of the greatest money drain of all - the motor vehicle.

Sound familiar?

OK. Enough of the problem. What can you do? Here are some tips:

1. Recognize that unless you do SOMETHING SOON to correct your situation or habits then things are definitely not going to get better. Read that last sentence again. In fact, there is a high probability that it will get worse.

2. Look at whatever credit or store cards you have and pick the one out that has the highest monthly interest rate then commit yourself to paying it off - bit by bit.

3. If your discipline is low then take a pair of scissors and cut that credit card into little pieces. That in itself will give you a sense of control because you have removed temptation from right before your eyes. You will EMPOWER yourself.

4. Look for areas of waste. EVERYBODY wastes money. Don't be so impulsive with the way that you spend money. If you see something that you want, pause, walk away, think about it. That tip alone will save you heaps of money.

5. Keep a large banknote in your purse or wallet and - this is really important - DON'T spend it. That will allow you to feel comfortable having money. It will build discipline like nothing else!

6. Most importantly - EDUCATE YOURSELF. Educate yourself on financial matters. If you don't understand how to use money then the smart money people will find ways of doing it for you. Remaining ignorant is a life-long sentence to staying in debt and long-term poverty. Is that what you want?

There is no sane reason why anybody would want to remain a slave to ongoing debt. Just remember, if you enjoy being controlled by never ending bills then all you have to do is nothing at all. Simple. Stay the way you are. Debt will haunt you until the day you die. The sooner you commence getting debt under control the better. A delay of even one day is another day shackled to debt mentality.

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.