9 Bad Habits—And How to Break Them

Using ATMs That Charge. Using an ATM that isn't affiliated with your bank can really add up—especially if you do it a few times a week. Solve the problem by hitting up your bank to pull cash out on pay day—instead of on an as-needed basis. Instead of using the ATM, visit the teller and ask to get your cash in bigger bills(research has shown we're more reluctant to spend large bills). Leave most of the cash at home, and just use your sock drawer as your "ATM" as your need it until your next pay day.

Your Daily Chocolate Fix. Having a fully-loaded candy bar every day around afternoon. won't help your bikini bod. And we get it—it's a hard habit to break. You can have your chocolate and stay trim too by snacking on a 1.6 ounce bar of dark chocolate instead. It's actually good for your heart, since it's loaded with flavonoids, and that small serving won't make you pack on lbs.

Biting Your Nails. As Britney Spears recently demonstrated at the Fox Upfronts, there's nothing pretty about biting your nails. It's a tough habit to break (Brit confessed in 2008 that she was trying to quit). If you're a nail-biter, try this trick: By yourself a pretty new polish and keep it on your digits 24/7 (if you can make a cool design, even better). Because you won't want to ruin your mani, you'll be less tempted to nibble.

Pulling Split Ends. It's so, so tempting to rip split ends, but that habit will wreck your hair in the long run. Take away the temptation entirely by getting a regular haircut every six to eight weeks. If you can't afford to go to the salon that often try this DIY tip. Trim individual strands and cut them right above the "v" where the split begins) it'll keep you from getting splits in the first place and will leave your locks looking fabulous.

Going Wild at Happy Hour. There's something about two-for-one drink specials that can make even the most conservative girl go cray-cray (and feel like crap the next day). Go into happy hour ahead of time with a drink limit that you can stick with, like two cocktails for the night. Having trouble sticking with it? Alternate between alcohol and a sparkling water. Your head will thank you in the a.m.

Skipping Breakfast. It kinda makes sense—you eat less, you gain less. But skipping breakfast is pretty much the worst thing you can do for your bod—you end up eating more later in the day because you're so hungry, and it can also slow down your metabolism. Even if you're not hungry in the a.m., have a little something that's high in protein—Greek yogurt or an egg-white omelette

ODing on Soda. Just like needing your chocolate fix, you can easily get locked into a soda habit. Problem is, the extra sugar is bad for your bod and your teeth. Still need your bubbles? Opt for flavored water, or, better yet, make your own by putting lemon or cucumber in sparkling water.

Sleeping In Your Contacts. If you wear contacts, you've probably dozed off once or twice with them in. But making it a regular habit is a big no-no—it can lead to dry eyes, an increased risk of infection, and even corneal swelling (ouch). If you're a repeat offender, start setting a reminder in your phone for around the time you usually go to bed. Once it goes off, you know what to do.

Charging Things You Can't Afford. We know, we know—using your plastic (ie atm card) is way more fun than sticking to a budget, but it ends up costing you bigtime. If you really feel like you need a credit card for emergencies, leave it at home so that you can really only use it in those special cases—not that "emergency" pair of amazing Micheal Kors heels. Better yet, start funneling a little money from each paycheck into a savings account. That way, you have the cash when you need it.