This is Optimal Finance Daily. Break the Paycheck to Paycheck cycle and start saving by Vicki

Cook and Amy Blacklock of Women Who Money.com. You're not alone, but being part of this crowd isn't

comforting, and it makes sense when you look at the statistics. Just a few years ago, about 60% of Americans

reported having less than $1,000 in savings, and a full 20% admit that they had nothing saved at all.

Let those numbers sink in. More than three out of four full-time workers admit to living

paycheck-to-paycheck. Living this way is a

frustrating reality for many women. This is a serious problem. But don't give up hope, even if

you've lived this way your whole adult life. Here are five things you can do to break the

paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and take control of your finances.

Number one, total your debts. When you have to spend a significant portion of your

paycheck paying off debts, it's tough to get ahead. The paycheck to paycheck cycle is even harder

to break if you're deep in debt. But the cycle will never end if you don't

face the numbers and understand just how much debt you have. To total your debt, add up the balance

on every credit card you have. Total any outstanding loans, like student loans, car loans,

or lines of credit for furniture or appliances, and add in your

mortgage if you own your home. Good debt is still debt. Number two, record your expenses. Mindless

spending may be the reason you run out of money at the end of the month. While the occasional morning

latte,

lunch out, or toy for your child in the checkout line may not bust your budget,

mindful spending decisions matter as you work to break the cycle. If you haven't carefully

tracked how much money you're spending, you might be shocked to see the total at the end of

the month. Use a spiral notebook or try

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