New year a good opportunity to review spending habits  n Make a
list of expenses, such as mortgage payment or rent, average
utility costs (heat, light, water, telephone, etc.), taxes,
insurance, outstanding debt such as auto or other loans or
payments due, and living expenses, such as food, medical or
wellness needs, transportation, clothing, and extras, such as
cable TV and other entertainment.  n Subtract fixed expenses
from take-home pay to identify funds not already obligated.  n
Save before spending by paying yourself first. Young recommends
direct deposits, with funds divided and deposited into a
checking and savings or investment account. Automatic savings
can reduce the temptation to spend.  n Take a hard look at debt
and resolve to reduce and eventually eliminate it by paying down
and paying off credit cards and auto or other loans.  Paying off
credit cards with the highest interest rates first is the
typical recommendation, but sometimes paying off a card with a
lesser balance can jumpstart the proc