Financial Stress

There is nothing more stressful then to look at you bank account at the beginning of the month and after the first week. I simply do not have enough. And I am suppose to be the bread winner. My wife works and she is so much better at keeping her finances tight. Regardless of the number of personal finance management books I read, nothing seems to help.

It's really stressful when after paying off all the creditors, I end up with nothing. Living under my parents roof compounds the strain even further. I am expected to contribute to my parents too - on top of my commitments to my own family. So my financial state is akin to a juggling act. Moving money from one source to pay another source delays the obvious - that I'm broke.

Some things that you may want to know when it comes to personal finances - trust me I know:

1. Do not take personal loans.
2. Buy 2nd hand when possible - cars, clothes, whatever...
3. Learn a useful skill, it will help secure a 2nd income.
4. Hide your money from yourself.
5. Credit cards are poisonous.
6. Be wary when lending money to siblings - they never pay back.
7. Be stiff-necked when doing business with friends - they always ask for a discount.
8. Work with an employer whom you can ask for a raise.
9. Keep your material items to a minimum. Some things you can live without.
10. Pray hard.

The list is not exhaustive. Can you think of anything else to add?