One big money saving tip, that I am not ashamed to advocate, is to cut bad habits out of your budget. Every paycheck, after the bills have been paid give yourself an allowance, it is a lot harder to want to spend your last fistful of cash on something frivolous than it is when you are simply sliding the plastic. Talk to your spouse, make it known that you are serious about strengthening your financial plans, and make sure you are on the same page and dedicated to getting out of debt and bulking up your savings for a more beneficial future.

The premise behind this is to pay money into your savings account, like another bill, each month after you pay your other necessary expenses, that way you arent hoping that your cutting back is working, you have an account that you can watch progressively grow. Also if you tend to throw back a few beer every week with the guys at the local Hooters, consider having one beer then switching to cola, or even better for you water, it is considerably cheaper than alcohol and you still get to enjoy the game with your friends (and you dont have to pay cab fare home if you drink a few too many). You understand your bills, you know how much you have to spend on food costs and clothing, and you are all set.