According to a recent poll conducted by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), eighty percent of respondents indicate that personal spending tops the list of poor financial decision making, in comparison to issues of health, marriage and employment.

“It is good sign that consumers recognize and admit their problem,” NFCC spokesperson Gail Cunningham said. “Financial awareness often provides the motivation to jolt a person into taking action that can change the course of their financial life.”

The NFCC makes these recommendations for individuals increase financial awareness:

Face the financial facts.
Be in control of your spending and keep track of purchases.
Know how much is owed.
Calculate your financial debt to better gauge your financial status.
Break the pattern of seemingly harmless financial habits.
A lot of little purchases can turn into huge pressures on your wallet. Be aware of spending habits.
Determine if conveniences are worth the price.
Cut out unnecessary expenses like ordering food versus cooking your own meal.
Review bill statements to determine if the debt is worth it.
Understanding what you’ll owe in the future can give you better financial perspective.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization. The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior, and build capacity for its members to deliver the highest-quality financial education and counseling services.

For free and affordable confidential advice through a reputable NFCC Member, call (800) 388-2227, (en Español (800) 682-9832) or visit www.nfcc.org.