Although you might not be able to control the economy, you do have some say over the choices you make and the actions you take. Here, courtesy of BALANCE, are many different ways to get a handle on your personal finances. If you ever have the feeling that it doesn't matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to find a way to cut costs or save money? You have good intentions and make an effort to reduce your spending, but there is always an unexpected expense. When life gets in the way — the car needs new tyres, the adolescent needs braces, and the house needs a new roof — saving money gets pushed to the back burner. Does this ring a bell? The good news is that there are a lot of straightforward ways to save money and give your budget a breath of fresh air (and fresh cash). Maintain an accurate record of your spending. It will be much simpler for you to make adjustments if necessary if you are aware of how your money is being spent. Spend a week or two figuring out where you