Benjamin Franklin, founding father, scientist and political figure, is known for his quips and quotes about money and politics that still ring true today. He listed a plan of 13 values which he tried to practice throughout his life. A sample of them include:

Frugality. “Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., Waste nothing.” Thinking frugally could be one of the major keys to help you avoid overspending. When was the last time you made an “expense” doing something good for yourself that didn’t cost much?

Industry. “Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.” If Franklin were alive today, perhaps he’d suggest that you take a good look at your budget. Have you eliminated any unnecessary expenses? Think of what you need as opposed to what you want. For example, can you live without expensive designer clothes or pricey espressos from popular coffee shops? Some items can really leave a dent in your wallet.

Moderation. “Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.” Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to go to extremes and deprive yourself of absolutely everything. When you reach a financial goal, you might want to consider treating yourself to something reasonable in price. Reward yourself for good habits and keep working towards your goals!

Tranquility. “Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.” With some personality types, feeling stressed and overwhelmed can cause excess spending. Think about how you can distance yourself somewhat from life’s issues, whether large or small. How can you bring solutions to a problem without becoming part of it? Read more about Franklin's 13 values here. Can any of them help you with your spending habits?