1. Get real about your expenses. Use your check book register or prior statements and record 12 months of actual expenses paid for rent, utilities, food and transportation. Write them down or enter them in a spreadsheet so you can see the total. Now you know what 12 months looks like, it can be an intimidating number — but stay the course.
2. Compare your actual expenses paid through the lens of want versus need, or stated another way, necessity versus life style. Maybe it is time to make some adjustments.
3. Look for opportunities to cut or reduce low priority lifestyle activities. This is the low hanging fruit. For example, pack a lunch four days a week, car pool to work, etc… Place the difference in your necessity fund.
4. Check your life style, is it in line with your income? Make adjustments where necessary. Put the difference in savings.
5. Avoid the impulse buy; take time to reconsider your purchase.
6. If you are unable to pay off your credit cards each month, work on paying off the balance, then stop using them and pay in cash.
7. If you are unwilling to cut expenses, then seek opportunities to increase your income. Have a garage sale and sell off some of the toys. Pick up a part time job. Deposit the results in savings.

The final tip is the most crucial. Work with an accountability partner. It will take patience and discipline but the rewards are fulfilling. Remember a budget sets guidelines or parameters to help you stay the course.