This is one of my fave topics!


What works for us, is paying all of our bills, then putting whatever is left, minus the amount we will need for things like gas and no more than $20.00 discretionary $$$$ into savings. Then not touching it.

We also have stopped going out to dinner/lunch so much. Bring food from home and cook meals at home. I can get groceries for 2 weeks for the amount it costs the two of us one dinner out at a "cheap" place.

I also prepare a shopping list for the grocery store each week and stick to it based on things we are actually out of/need.  We try to stick to the "staples" for our meals and buy everything when it's on sale too. 

I prepare meals/my menu in advance. I made a crock pot of chili over the weekend and it's fed us for the week so far and I am also bringing leftovers to work. Chili is cheap and is healthy for you.  I made quinoa on the side (another inexpensive side) and that's also cheap and healthy.

Avoiding malls, shopping centers and browsing at shopping sites online that may give you the urge to go out and shop is important.

Make an inventory of your closet and only purchase basics that can be rotated in terms of clothing.

I also only tend to shop at discount stores for my clothing (ie. Target, Old Navy, Steve and Barry's) and maybe once a year, we splurge on more expensive clothing/accessories for one another.

the easiest way for me to save is to put money away FIRST for savings, then pay bills.  If there's still money left, decide how you want to spend it.  But pay yourself first.  Get in the habit of putting money into savings FIRST before you do anything else.

As far as limiting your spending, I'd say avoiding places like the mall and other recreational shopping areas is a good start, as is planning ahead for meals, snacks, coffee, etc.