Congratulations. You have kept the U.S. economy afloat by opening up your wallet for everything from cars to candy bars.

But, if stuffing cash into the nation's economic cracks has swollen your credit card balances or depleted your savings, it may be time to turn your attention to your own economic stability.

Frivolous spending may not be the problem. Maybe it's higher energy bills or a new expense, such as college tuition. Maybe it's less income or fewer withdrawals from your battered brokerage account. Whatever the reason, growing debt and shrinking savings are warning signs that you have a leaky budget. Locate and plug the leaks, and you'll have that much more to sock away for retirement, college savings, a house or a new car – or to pay off debt.

Step 1: Review Your Spending Plan
Yes, we're about to use the B-word. But don't think of a budget as a straightjacket. Think of it more as a spending plan to help you track where your dollars are going and reach the savings goals you have already established.

Take a few minutes to review your spending estimates. Get out your calculator and your check registry, or log in to your personal finance program to see if your fixed expenditures (rent, mortgage and loan payments, insurance premiums, etc.) and variable expenses (utility bills, groceries, clothing, and transportation) are in line with your expectations. Update your budget as needed.

Step 2: Track Your Impulse Spending
Getting a handle on miscellaneous spending takes more discipline. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to track your spending for two or three weeks. List your purchases throughout the day, every day, in a small notebook or your Palm™ Pilot.

Tracking every item you buy is one of the best ways to spot leaks that spring from impulse spending. Writing it down may even save you money if it causes you to think twice before you buy.

Step 3: Plug the Leaks
Unless you're an OPEC minister, there isn't much you can do about higher fuel prices or utility costs. But there is plenty you can do to minimize the bills you pay. Here are just a few ideas:

• Save energy – Deregulation in some states has allowed electric and natural gas suppliers to compete for your business. Energy Finder can help you identify new and possibly less expensive sources of energy near you.
  
  A more energy-efficient home can also help. The Energyguide Home Analyzer helps you examine your energy usage and suggest products or improvements to lower your bills.
  
  
• Reduce your mortgage rate – When interest rates are lower, take advantage by refinancing your mortgage. Even small differences in interest rates can add up over time, especially on larger loans. On a $250,000 30-year mortgage, for example, the difference between 7.0% and 7.4% represents about $850 in interest payments each year.
  
  
• Pay off or consolidate debt – The average fixed-rate credit card charges about 14.5% interest. If you're paying hefty rates, look for a lower-interest-rate card or a home-equity loan.
  
  The best course is to pay off your debt. You might be surprised to see how much you could earn by paying off your credit cards and saving the money instead.
  
  If you choose to consolidate your debts with a home-equity loan, you'd cut your interest expense almost in half. Plus, you can usually deduct home-equity interest on your tax return.

If you would like to learn more about the advice contained within this article and how it could benefit you, please contact the professional who provided your YOU Magazine subscription!

Reprinted with permission. All Contents © 2008 The Kiplinger Washington Editors