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Deborah McNaughton's job is to take the fun out of life.
OK, that's not really her job. She's actually a credit expert and financial coach, but consider the results of having her look at where you spend your money.
This financial coach (financialvictory.com) who says she wants to get you out of debt likes to equate dollars and calories. Like the cost and calories in a Starbucks tall latte - $3 and 180 calories - multiplied by 5 if you buy one every workday ($15) which comes to $780 a year. Or 900 calories a week and 46,800 a year or about 13 pounds.
For a tall latte.
Sure, if you cut back on that latte - maybe only have two a week - you'll save some money. Lose weight too. And that's her point.
"People who try to save money need to be aware of the silent money thieves," she says. "A cutback in lattes can reduce your overall debt if you save the dollars or apply them to other debts."
It all comes down to moderation, she says.
"Once you see on paper the annual cost of where you spend some of your money - like having your nails done every other week - it can be frightening. No, you can't just eliminate it but you can treat it like being on a diet - enjoy the "taste" less often.
Source: Sacramento Bee