5 Signs that You're Trying to Keep Up w/ the Hiltons (aka Living Beyond Your Means)

If we've learned anything from this economic crisis it's that a good majority of us have been overspending & not saving how we should. Research shows that in 2006 the U.S. savings average hit negative digits, which hadn't happened since the Great Depression! We all need a reality check. Yes urbanistas, it's true that we love fabulosity, but if we send ourselves to the poor house trying to achieve it then what's the point. Please take heed to the following signs of living beyond your means. If you fall prey to any of the following red flags consider this your friendly wake-up call:

Sign No. 1 - Your Credit Score is Below 600

Solutions:
* Pay down debt
* Satisfy any outstanding judgments
* Apply for and use fewer credit cards

Sign No. 2 - You are Saving Less Than 5%

Solution: Save 10% of each paycheck

Sign No. 3 - Your Credit Card Balances are Rising

Solution: Urban Heiress Commandment #3 --- USE CASH ONLY! If you never charge it then you'll never have a credit card bill for it. And if you don't have the cash to buy it then guess what...you can't afford. Pretty simple, right? But we all fall short of grace regarding this one (myself included).

Sign No. 4 - More Than 28% of Income Goes to Your House

Solution: MOVE!!! It might seem unfathomable at first BUT you'll thank yourself when you can sleep peacefully w/o worrying if your rent/mortgage check is going to bounce all over town.

Sign No. 5 - Your Bills are Spiraling Out of Control

Solution: Step #2 in the "Urban Addict Recovery Program" --- Trim the Fat! Eliminate ANYTHING that is not absolutely essential for you to live...e.g. Contrary to popular belief, cable TV is NOT a necessity for life! Read a book...it'll last you longer ;-)

I don't want you to end up like this guy:



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