After college, I was waiting tables by night, living the good life of a 20-something in the city by day. Cool roommate, cute dog and a little spending money to boot. Then one day, my dog ran into the street and was hit by a car. She needed a $2,000 surgery ASAP and I had zero savings. I did what most of us would do — I whipped that credit card out so fast I gave myself whiplash. (P.S. The surgery ended up costing a lot more than 2K).

Fast-forward a few weeks. The pup was healing, I was doing a good job forgetting my newfound debt and the car I’d had since high school broke down. The repairs were $1,700. Dude, thank goodness for credit, I thought. Years later, I’m still paying for those two emergencies. Hey — no one knows when crisis will strike and credit cards are great for a little added security. But it’s easy for one big charge to snowball into years of debt. Here’s how to avoid having it happen to you:

1. Start saving now with the goal of stashing away $1,500 – $2,000. One key to staying out of debt is creating a cushion for those “what-ifs.” Just save whatever you can each month until you hit your goal. You can find more great info. on saving here.
2. Use a low interest card if you do have an emergency your savings won’t cover. If you didn’t shop around for a good rate before, it’s not too late to do it now. Most card companies will give you a lower rate if you just call and ask.
3. Make a plan for paying off debts. If you have an emergency and you’ve got to charge it, plan out your payments from the get go. (Remember that making minimum payments can mean paying tons of interest and being in debt for years.) You can calculate how long it will take you to pay off your balance here.

Bottom line: financial trouble’s bound to hit every once in a while. Instead of considering a credit card your emergency fund, start stashing away a little cash. It’s just another way to keep your debt from getting out of control. For more on using credit wisely, go to What’sMyScore.org.

Do you have something you like to splurge on, even when it’s not the best idea? Whether it’s eating every meal out, picking up all the latest gadgets, or hitting the mall for shoe-buying sprees, your splurges could be costing you more than you think. Curbing the habit can help you build your savings and even tackle debt. Here are a few ways to do it:

1. Keep track of what you spend. Once you’ve recorded a few weeks or a month, highlight your luxuries (anything not totally necessary) to see where you’re spending the most.

2. Calculate what it’s costing you. That $4 almond latte you have every weekday may be just $4, but that adds up to a whopping $1,040 a year. To get a real sense of how much a splurge is costing you, calculate the cost for the next 12 months.

3. Prioritize your luxuries. Hey, we all need a treat sometimes. Instead of cutting out all of your luxuries, prioritize the ones you’ll enjoy this month. If you get that cool new sweater today, maybe the fancy dinner out can wait.

4. Tackle one bad habit a week. For most of us, going from spending maniac to mister frugal isn’t realistic. Instead of going whole hog, pick one habit to tackle at a time.

5. Give yourself alternatives. To get a habit change to stick, try replacing it with something else. Instead of a lunchtime shopping spree, take a lunchtime walk. If nightly dinners out are your weakness, start by cutting down to two or three a week.

6. Set long-term goals. Whether it’s a trip to Europe, a downpayment on a home or a $1,000 fund for emergencies, having a goal can help motivate you to change bad spending habits.

Just like breaking other bad habits, it isn’t easy to change a financial pattern. But making small changes is a great way to start. You might find that stashing away savings or paying down debt can bring you the biggest treat of all — financial peace of mind.

For more tips on budgeting and making smart financial decisions, visit our Budgeting section on PracticalMoneySkills.com.

Picture this: You’re on a tight budget and you have plans with someone you’re really into. Should you head to the florist, make reservations at a 5-star restaurant and throw it all on the card? No way, dude! Racking up debt will have a negative impact on your financial future (and it’s not all that hot, either). Instead of breaking the bank, plan something thoughtful that’s bound to impress without costing you an arm and a leg. Here are a few ideas:

1. Take a picnic somewhere pretty — think berries, cheese or something homemade. (Cost: $20 or less)
2. Cook up something special, like your date’s favorite meal. (Cost: $20)
3. Sightsee in your own city. Walking across a landmark bridge or taking in a famous view can be oh, so romantic. (Cost: Free)
4. Take a group class. Hit the dance floor or give pottery a go with low-cost or free classes in your area. (Cost: Free – $30)
5. Catch a matinee. Whether it’s a ballet or blockbuster, you’ll save on tickets and have time for date idea #2. (Cost: $20 – $40)
6. Head to open mic night. Catching the local talent can be inspiring and downright funny. (Cost: $10 for coffee/treats)
7. Stargaze. Whether you’re chilling in the park on a blanket or viewing the skies from the local planetarium, this one’s sure to impress. (Cost: Free – $20)
8. Take a walk or hike. Nature — and city lights — make a great backdrop for first-date conversation. (Cost: Free)
9. Hear local music at an underground venue. (Cost: $10 – $20)
10. Visit a local art gallery. Openings often mean free wine and apps, as well. (Cost: Free)
11. Hit the rink. Get your couples skate on at the ice or roller rink. (Cost: $20)
12. Dine smart. Research popular hot spots in your town with affordable prices — most areas have several. (Cost: $15 – $30)
13. Daytrip it. Think small towns, beaches, recreational areas and big cities. (Cost: Free)
14. Check out a street fair or farmer’s market for food, art, music and more. (Cost: Free)
15. Go rock climbing. Take a class and hit the routes together — trying something fun and different makes for an unforgettable date. (Cost: $20 – $40)

In every aspect of life, living within your means is key to financial health. For tips on saving funds when buying a car, renting an apartment and more, click here.

If you were born with the urge to be your own boss, sell a great idea or make it big, you’re not alone. Some of the most successful businessmen and women out there started with just a great idea and a drive to make it happen. If you’re considering going the entrepreneurial route, here are a few ways to help ensure your venture is a success.

1. Focus on what will sell. Choosing a solid, marketable product or service is a prerequisite for a successful business. Click here for the questions to ask yourself about whether there is a market for your business.

2. Draft a business plan and get ready to present it to potential investors. You’ll find a description of the types of business plans out there, with tips on creating yours here.

3. Call on potential resources. Whether you need photos of your product or help designing your logo, check in with family and friends who may have the skills you need.

4. Be sure you’re covered financially until at least the end of the second year. For some tips on finding investors as a first-time entrepreneur, click here.

5. Double your anticipated startup costs. Most entrepreneurs find that the start up costs are higher than they’d expected. Using plastic to help finance your ventures can help you get off the ground; just make sure to shop around for the best deal possible. And for help on determining the real cost of starting your business, click here.

6. Be professional. Communicating with customers and other business contacts in a prompt and professional way is an absolute must.

7. Be flexible. You are guaranteed to make mistakes as you try to get your new business off the ground. The key is to notice and learn from your mistakes, and then move on.

8. Get training. You may not have experience in these areas, but as a new business owner you are likely to be utilizing skills related to bookkeeping, tech support and marketing. Get prepared by reading up or signing up for related classes.

9. Work the Internet. From resources and advice to auction sites and social networking, the Internet is a new entrepreneur’s best friend.

10. Plan an exit strategy. There are a lot of unknowns when you start a business, and there is always a possibility the venture won’t pan out. Take care not to end up in a financial bind that could affect your credit history. And save yourself loads of stress by going into the venture with a solid back-up plan.

Starting a business requires good money sense and a solid understanding of credit. For more on using credit responsibly, visit WhatsMyScore.org.