Women have certainly come a long way from being depicted as dependent housewives and have become career-oriented and financially-independent individuals. However, most of these working women would readily admit that they still find it difficult to manage their finances in a world of pretty shoes and must-have bags.

Although widely open to dispute, studies have shown that women possess an impulsive buying behavior by nature and this can often hinder them from becoming efficient money savers. A recent survey has also found that only 50% of female respondents spend less than what their monthly salary, compared to the 71% of men who make sure their expenses are less than what they earn.

As financial experts often advise, smart budgeting will allow anyone to effectively allocate the limited fund that they have. If you’re torn between shopping and saving or are in a similar fix, follow these tips to help you salvage your finances and avoid the perils of indebtedness:

The first thing you should do, and this is worth mentioning as obvious as it seems, is to control yourself from spending all the money that you have earned. Avoid overspending by listing down the things you need/want to buy within a certain period of time. Remember that prioritizing needs from wants will definitely help in cutting down your expenses. Before you purchase anything, make it a general rule to ask yourself this question: "Do I need it?"

After accepting and getting used to the idea that healthy spending will help you manage your money better, you must strongly motivate yourself to avoid social pressure and persuasion. A shop with a huge SALE sign plastered on its windows will prove to be extremely inviting and your friend’s "good buy" might incite you to spend but it doesn’t mean you actually have to make the purchase. While rare, jumping without thinking at the first mention of a "bargain" can also lead to being a hapless victim of fraud.

If the temptation is too strong, you can choose to consult an expert in budgeting or a service organization like a debt reduction law center. These companies offers several budgeting schemes and, sometimes even free consultations, to help you focus on achieving your financial goals. Just keep an eye out for bogus credit counselors and other perpetrators of fraud.

Following these basic tips and seeking help from professional debt specialists, especially those working for an established debt reduction law center, can better equip you to face the challenges of controlling your finances and living a financially-stable life.