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Step 1
Eat at home. Cooking at home helps your waistline, saves money and brings the family closer together. Eating out is a sure way to strain the pocketbook.
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Step 2
Save on gas. Fill your tank early morning or late at night when the gas is cooler. If you fill up when it's cool, you'll get denser gas that will work longer, and for less money. Don't top off your tank, watch your speed and roll your windows down to save even more gas money.
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Step 3
Limit your gift giving budget during the holidays by shopping year-round. Make a budget for each person you'll be shopping for, and look for sales all year. Keep a spreadsheet of who you're buying for, what you will be buying, how much it will cost and whether it's been purchased.
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Step 4
Put down your credit cards. Credit cards add to your debt. It's best to use your credit card only in dire need. Go ahead and use it for that doctor's appointment coming up, but put it away when you go grocery shopping.
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Step 5
Keep track of your money. Make a list of everything you spend money on. Keep track of your bills, grocery receipts, gas receipts and anything else you spend money on. You'll be less likely to spend money when you see how much you've already spent.
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Step 6
Save for a rainy day. Save a set amount each and every month. Whether it's only $10 a month or $100 a month, make sure you're saving some of your income and putting into a bank account that will earn you interest. You never know when times are going to get more tough than they already are. You may need that money someday down the road just to survive.
