Check this simple chart before you buy anything

Plus, how long $1M in retirement savings lasts in your state No Images? Click here       At one point in her late 20s, Cait Flanders was $30,000 deep in credit card debt, with $100 in the bank to last six weeks until she was paid again. Devastated, she began chipping away at her debt, moving twice and quitting drinking. It took her two years to fix her finances. But once free from the crushing debt, she found herself slipping into old habits. In an effort to spend less and hit her savings goals, she embarked on a year-long “shopping ban” and got rid of stuff she no longer used. Her new book The Year Of Less chronicles how this system helped her live on 51 percent of her income ($28,000), saving 31 percent ($17,000) without truly depriving herself (she spent the remaining $10,000 on travel). Cait bought groceries and toiletries, but determined she wouldn’t purchase new clothing, accessories, electronics, or home goods unless something crucial broke or wore out. We love the chart below that she made to curb needless spending. It’s a good guide to hang on the fridge or store in your phone if you’re trying to cut excess spending, pay off debt or increase savings (and you should: U.S. credit card debt just hit a scary new high).   “Remember that all you’re committing to is slowing down and asking yourself what you really want, rather than acting on impulse,” she wrote. “That’s it. That’s what being a ‘mindful’ consumer is all about.” Truly, words to live by. Xx Janie Image from the book The Year of Less by Cait Flanders, published by Hay House Jan. 16 and available at all bookstores or online. Take back your life Ever feel intimidated by the stock market? Cowed by the idea of talking to an investment banker? Worried you don’t have enough money to be taken seriously? Don’t be — and don’t let the bull market pass you by. We asked financial advisors what you can do right now with a little pot of extra money, and their advice proves investing in the stock market is more accessible than ever. From tips for saving on fees to finding low-investment funds, it’s the push you need to get started — with or without an advisor.     Pro Tip: Job interviews come with questions that can be complete curveballs. You know, seemingly odd queries like “If you were a cake, what kind of cake would you be?” or "Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck, or 100 duck-sized horses?" The trick to answering these questions is to understand what the company is trying to learn about you, says CNBC contributor Suzy Welch. Read her four tips for nailing the answer when there’s no right answer at all. (A hundred duck-sized horses, obviously.) Want more practical magic? Here’s how long $1 million in retirement savings will last in your state [HuffPost] 10 secrets Amazon shoppers should know [U.S. News & World Report] Apple’s HomePod will finally be available February 9 [Gizmodo]    .     No moon dust. No B.S. Just a completely essential daily guide to achieving the good life. Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Can't get enough? You'll also love: HuffPost Must Reads. ©2018 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe    .   - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe