First things first…here are some essential tips to help you avoid overspending and to make the most out of your money:

• Little things add up. Stocking up on things is a good idea, but don’t splurge just because you found a bargain that seemingly wouldn’t make much of a dent in your wallet.  If you don’t need something and won’t in the near future, then don’t buy it. No matter how little something costs, always ask yourself, “Do I really need this? Can I live without it? Will this really make my life any better?” and if the answer is no, ask “Can I find it some place cheaper?/Can I find something similar for cheaper?” Shop around and find the best deals. Don’t get side-tracked and buy anything you didn’t intend to buy. Go grocery store hopping. (This may sound strange, but it can be fun! We’ve found ourselves comparing stores, finding the quickest routes between stores, and even back-tracking to stores we’d already been to, in order to get the best price on something!) Look through flyers and find out what’s on sale. (Doing this will save you the backtracking we went through!)
• Dave is a straightedge… and as a result I find myself not drinking, simply because it doesn’t appeal to me anymore really. So neither of us smoke, drink, or do drugs… and that saves a TON of money! Alcohol and cigarettes are expensive, and if you’re on a budget, these unnecessary items are the last things you should be spending your limited funds on! Bottom line: they cost a fortune and you DON’T need them.
• Store brand and no name brands are often just as good as name brands, and way cheaper.
• Learn how to cook from scratch. A quick google search will find you pretty much any recipe you want. Once you have all the regular ingredients (i.e. flour, spices, etc), it will start to cost a fraction of the price of eating out, ordering take-out, or buying prepared foods. Plus, it’s yummier, more satisfying, and fun! With a little bit of experience, you’ll be able to mimic that delicious entree you sometimes crave from your favorite restaurant.
• Your credit card is not a loan. Don’t spend more than what is physically in your bank account. It’s not worth it. If you’re having trouble keeping up with your bills and there is literally nowhere you can cut spending, ask around. Call your utility companies and ask if they offer any financial assistance or if they can set you up on a payment plan. Ask your landlord if you can split your rent up into two payments a month. Some churches and charity groups will help pay for some of your essential bills for a few months to help you get back on your feet.  Most people fall onto tough financial times at some point in their life–it’s nothing to be ashamed of and it’s okay to ask for help. People will understand and will want to help you manage the burden if they’re able to and if it’s in their power to do so.
• Ditch the cable TV. It’s one less bill you have to worry about. Especially if you have the internet. If you’re a cable addict, you can find most shows online for free andusually legal nowadays anyway.
• Buy used whenever possible. If you want any sort of media, websites like half.com are a godsend. Shop at yard sales. Go to thrift stores. If you crave things with personality and style, you can occasionally find antique shops that are dirt cheap and a lot of fun. Go to a university and the surrounding apartment complexes and go dumpster diving on their last days of finals–you’ll discover a goldmine. Also surf websites like craigslist or freecycle–you’d be surprised at what people give away for free just to make space.
• You don’t need an iphone. You don’t need an SUV/luxury car/sports car/etc. You don’t need to live on top of a mountain with a bay view. You don’t need to wear the latest fashion. You don’t need expensive jewelry. You don’t need 7 embryo implants. You don’t need plastic surgery. You don’t need to go clubbing every weekend.