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WANNA STOP SPENDING TOO MUCH? PUT AWAY THE PLASTIC

Buying items at the grocery store that aren't on your list or the $10 impulse toy your kid wanted at Target; taking your third trip to the drive-through restaurant this week because you forgot to bring your lunch to work; squeezing in that extra movie outing — all are seemingly harmless things that can add up to a lot of money spent in a very short time! Here's how to take control of these money drainers:

• MAKE A BUDGET -- Along with budgeting for big stuff like your mortgage, you should include a clothing fund, a grocery fund, a fund for eating out and an entertainment fund for movies or golf or whatever you enjoy. If you can afford it, you should also have a blow fund for money that you just spend because you want to. When you first do a budget, be sure to set aside more for groceries than you think you spend. No one really knows how much they spend on groceries until they start living on a budget. By the end of the first three months, you'll have a more accurate budget.

• PAY CASH -- Debit cards are great, but there's something about using cash that hurts. When you walk around with an Uncle Benjamin in your pocket, it's hard to put him up for adoption. A report shows that credit card users spend 12 to 18 percent more when using credit instead of cash — because spending cash hurts. When you spend cash, you spend less.

• USE ENVELOPES -- To help you stay on your budget, use an envelope system. Have an envelope for groceries, eating out, entertainment, clothing, blow money and anything else for which you pay cash. Put the amount of cash you budgeted for each category in the corresponding envelope. When you've spent all the money in the envelope STOP SPENDING!

• STICK TO IT -- A budget doesn't tell you what you can do; it's you telling your money where it should go. If you do a written budget every month and stick to it, then you CAN beat the budget busters.

Many money saving tips on that trip to the gocery store

Holy Carp . . mine were LOADED! My wife noticed that our gutters weer full of water. So I got up on the roof, and I was blown away by the debris and helicopter seeds that had filled them to the brim. I had mounds of soil and branches etc. The downspouts were clogged. I recommend you get yours checked soon with all the rain we've had and will have, you could end up with some big problems.

The dollar isn't doing so good, so make it work for you.

Want to send your daughter to cool summer camps at the College of Saint Mary's?   . . .read on

BIRTH ORDER FACTOR AND YOUR PERSONALITY: FACTS THAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU

Since today is National Siblings Day, let's talk about birth order.

ONLY-BORNS

Positives: Only-borns are the mega-movers of the world. They are task-orientated; tend to be extremely well organized, highly conscientious and dependable. They are keen on facts, ideas and details and feel extremely comfortable with responsibility.

Negatives: The negative characteristics of only-borns can be tough to handle. They are often unforgiving, very demanding, hate to admit they're wrong and usually don't accept criticism well. To others, they seem very sensitive and indeed, their feelings are easily hurt.

FIRST-BORNS

Positives: They are natural leaders and often high achievers. The majority of politicians, spokespersons and managing directors are first-borns. They frequently live with a sense of entitlement and even superiority. They often come in two flavors: compliant nurturers/caregivers or aggressive movers and shakers. Both are in control; they just use different methods. As a rule, first-borns are picky, precise people - they pay attention to detail - tend to be punctual, organized, and competent. They want to see things done right the first time. They don't like surprises.

Negatives: They are often moody and occasionally lack sensitivity. They can be intimidating, particularly by pushing people too hard or refusing to take no for an answer. Sometimes they can be a bit 'know-it-all', and often they are poor at delegating - largely because they don't trust other people as much as they trust themselves. They also tend to be bossy, perfectionists and overly-conscientious.

MIDDLE-BORNS

Positives: The classic middle-born is very relational, tends to be a people-pleaser and usually hates confrontation. Their basic need is to keep life smooth and their motto might be 'peace at any price'. They are usually very calm, will roll with the punches and are amiable, down-to-earth and great listeners. They are skilled at seeing both sides of a problem and eager to make everybody happy. That makes them good mediators and negotiators.

Negatives: They tend to be less driven than first-borns, but are much more eager to be liked - or at least be happy with them. They have a difficult time setting boundaries. They can drift into becoming 'co-dependent' as they try to please everybody. They are not good at making decisions that will offend others. They also tend to blame themselves when others fail.

LAST-BORNS

Positives: Last-borns are the world's cheerleaders. You have strong people skills and love to entertain and talk to others. You make friends easily and immediately make others feel at home. You're an extrovert, energized by the presence of other people and you're probably not afraid to take risks.

Negatives: Last-borns tend to get bored quickly. They have a strong fear of rejection and a short attention span. When the fun stops, they've had enough and want to check out. To some extent they're self-centered. They may harbor unrealistic expectations of finding a relationship that is always fun - and of course, such relationships simply do not last.