(NAPSA)—From summertravel to back-to-school season, many Americansfind it challenging to budget for special purchases. Thinking of your next big purchase or just wanting to better manage your everyday spending? Here arefive tips to help you stick to a budget: 1. Set priorities—Mapout your basic needs and go from there.If you commute 10 miles to work, having moneyfor gas is much more impor- tant than, say, a premium cable TV package. But once youset yourpri- orities, re-evaluate them every couple of weeks. 2. Reduce, don’t deprive— Part of any budget is managing the everyday luxuries—from a favorite magazine to the occa- sional night out. It’s important to set a budget for these purchases based on what you can afford, but don’t deprive yourself. We’re all human—and completely cutting out simple pleasures like these can set you upfor failure. 3. Track progress—Regularly measure how things are going. It helps you understand where you need to make adjustments and can give you a sense of gratification when you're staying on track. If it’s your first time making a budget, don’t be surprised if you fall short of your goals—like with anything, practice makesperfect. 4, Think DIY—Oneofthe easiest ways to save moneyis to take a “do-it-yourself” approach to things you enjoy. Think long term: If you are a coffee lover, upgrading your in-home equipment may come with costs, but it can save Many people have found that a budget can make handling finances easier and a reloadable prepaid card can help. you moneyin the long run to make those lattes at home instead of paying $4 a cup at the coffee shop. 5. Budget and manage your money smartly—Find a wayto manage your money in a way that works for you. While some consumers keep cash budgeted for restaurants, movies and other fun activities in separate envelopes each month, there are also more secure options available—from savings accounts with automatic contributions each monthor reloadable prepaid cards that ensure you don’t spend more than you have. “More and more Americans are looking for new financial products and services that help them manage moneyontheir terms,” said Ryan McInerney, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking.“We've recently introduced Chase Liquid, a reloadable card that offers customers control, flexibility and convenience—it’s low-cost, and FDIC-insured.” Chase Liquid, which can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, has a flat monthly fee of $4.95 with no additional chargetorefill the card with cash or checks at Chase’s 10,500 DepositFriendly™ ATMsand 5,500 branches nation- wide. Customers can also withdraw cash at no additional charge at all of Chase’s 17,500 ATMs and 5,500 branches nationwide. There are no overdraft fees and no minimum balances to maintain the account—only an initial deposit of $25. In addition, customers can check their balances for no additional fee at Chase’s ATMs, telephone, branches, online, via text or e-mail, or by speaking with a customerservice representative.
