In the next issue of WL, I will look at the issue of the serious nature of overspending as a stress release and the resulting physical, emotional and interpersonal damage it creates.

Credit cards are the primary weapon of choice in the spending war. Take this quick quiz to determine whether you are a victim in the war for your dollars.

T F

___ You spend money in the expectation your income will rise.

___ You take a cash advance on one credit card to pay off another.

___ You spend more than 20% of your take-home pay on credit card bills.

___ You often fail to keep an accurate record of your purchases.

___ You regularly buy groceries with a credit card because you have to.

___ You have applied for more than five credit cards in the past year.

___ You often hide your credit card purchases from your family.

___ You feel richer owning several credit cards.

___ You pay off your monthly credit card bills, but let other bills slide.

___ You rarely make more than the minimum payment on your credit card bills.

___ You like to collect cash from friends in restaurants, then charge the tab on your credit card.

___ You have trouble imagining your life without credit.

1-4 true answers:

You can probably keep going. But take a hard look at your spending habits.

5-8 true answers:

Slow down. You have entered the caution zone. It§ time to draw up a budget, pay off bills, and reevaluate your spending.

9-12 true answers:

You must stop. Consult a credit counselor or financial planner for help.

Source: National Foundation for Consumer Credit

CALL US: 888.LIF.WALK

Kate is a senior partner with CLC, Inc.