When you are in a hole, the first thing to do is to stop digging! So if you are in debt, the first thing you should do is to lessen your spending and increase your saving in order to reduce your debt. While it will take some time to repay your entire debt the key to staying out of debt lies in being able to maintain that low expense lifestyle and garner some savings.

Saving money is something that was once looked upon as a virtue. However, our consumerist society today seems to frown upon the same virtues that our parents and grandparents (and their parents) grow up on. Have the courage to think differently and take steps to lead a tension free life without liabilities. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Eating Out – Spending Friday nights with friends can be fun, but it remains as fun only if done once in a while. Too often and you find yourself having to pay for it at the end of the month. Make sure you keep and maintain an appropriate entertainment budget.

Fancy Clothing – If you are someone who loves designer clothing, then be prepared to pay for it up front in cash, and to have that much less money at the end of the month. Instead try to keep such exquisite purchases left only for special occasions such as Christmas. That way you will live within your means, get the things you want, and feel much better about all of it.

Own Home – If you are looking to move out to a new place, make sure it is one that you can afford on a regular basis and are not caught up in the excitement and find yourself taking something which you can’t maintain. Rent to own, do it yourself arrangements and owner financing are some of the options available.

Grocery Shopping – Don’t go for the branded items. Go for the cheapest with the largest quantity. Use coupons and discount opportunities as much as possible, but only for items that are really needed and don’t just buy them because they are cheaper.

School Supplies – Stock your children’s school supplies at home and avoid buying any fancy items.

Contentment & Limitations – Try to be content with what you have and live within your means. Know what your financial limitations are and don’t exceed them.

Plan your Childs Education – Apart from saving early for this, also remember to teach your children ways to be self supporting, look for campus jobs and apply for scholarships.

Anticipate Failures – Always have a budget plan so that you would then avoid impulsive purchases, which are often the least required ones.