Consumer Alert: Take the "Sting" Out of High Gas Prices.

Small lifestyle changes now could lead to major savings and less worries about high gas prices or future money problems.

CHICAGO -- Are you one of many Americans stressed about rising gas prices and the effect it will have on your finances?

Being "Nickeled and Dimed" applies to consumers unable to account for the money they spend: cash back from an ATM transaction, luxury spending or anything not categorized in a monthly budget. Luxury items like that morning cup of coffee don't seem expensive on your way to work, but over time can add up to the cost of a new car!

Here are some tips to save your money, and avoid money worries:

1.  Morning Latte & Muffin Test: Your daily dose of caffeine and
    muffin on your way to work may run $7.00 per day or more. Consider
    breakfast at home and save $150 per month or $9,100 in five years!
2.  Soda/ Bottled Water Test: Purchasing that refreshment at the local
    convenience store could cost $1.50 per bottle, costing you over
    $45 per month or $2,700 over five years! Consider purchasing
    beverages from discount or wholesale stores to add even more money
    to your pocket.
3.  Cigarette Test: The average cost of cigarettes is over $5.00. Add
    up a pack a day for five years and you've spent $9,125! Consider
    the visual motivation of saving a five dollar bill in a large jar
    every day. This might prove beneficial for your health as well as
    adding money to your wallet for that car.
4.  Take-Out Test: Eating out everyday is unhealthy for your body but
    even more for your wallet! A $10.00 meal every day adds up to
    $18,250 over five years. Challenge yourself to bring your lunch or
    eat meals at home Monday through Thursday and treat yourself on
    Fridays. You'll still be able to enjoy the company of your friends
    while saving a bundle of money throughout the rest of the week
5.  ATM Fee Test: Are you an ATM junkie? If so, you could be paying
    $5.00 per transaction. Two or three trips per week to another
    financial institution's ATM machine could cost over $780.00 per
    year or $3,900 after five years just to use your own money!

This is just a sampling of ways you can save money. These changes add up to over $43,000 in just five years, and this is tax free money and doesn't include interest.

Successfully managing your money requires finding creative ways to enjoy life without allowing convenience to steal the pleasure of those experiences. For additional budgeting, general money management tips, or a copy of our personal budget guide, contact one of our consumer advocates at 800-994-3328.

About Family Credit Counseling Service - FCCS is an ISO registered, non-profit agency providing solutions for those seeking financial assistance. FCCS is one of the largest consumer credit counseling agencies, is licensed in over a dozen states, and has been servicing consumers throughout the country for over ten years. FCCS' mission is to reduce the stress in consumer's lives through education, budget counseling and debt management.