Sensible shopping.
•    “I buy all of life's little annoying, but necessary, expenses at the 99-cent store: garbage bags, tampons, plastic baggies, cheap dinnerware, lotion, laundry detergent, household cleaning supplies, even fruit and baking mix—all the stuff that adds up.”

•    “I divide the price of an expensive purchase by how many times I plan to use it. It’s a great way to decide if it the item is really worth my entire month’s salary!”

•    “I put masking tape over the scanner of my credit card and write phrases that discourage me from spending, like ‘Remember: You’re poor’ and ‘Do I really need this?’ When I’m about to purchase, I feel guilty and put the item back.”

•    “I pair expensive accessories with mid-priced clothing. That way, everyone looks at your jewelry, shoes, purses, etc., and assumes your clothes are expensive too!”

•    “Every month I put my coffee budget on a Starbucks card. If I run out of money, I have to start making my own cup in the morning.”

•    “Ask for samples at makeup counters, but do it the right way. You want to look like you have money to spend and you’re searching for the right products for your precious face. Go as far as getting the sales person’s card; you can walk away with a month’s supply of mascara and face cream.”

Saving for a rainy day.

•    “I have a 401(k) at work and put money into a personal savings account each paycheck. I do it just like I would pay a bill—except I pay myself.”

•    “Never let your bank charge you for an overdraft fee. Every time I’ve gotten one, all it takes is a call to the bank (and maybe a few tears) and they take away the fee.”