Everyone knows that little green monster called Money Troubles. Often it seems that no matter what a person’s earning power, financial problems lurk in the background. If you’re tired of worrying about money, it may be time to remind yourself to live within your means. Below are a few tips for keeping the money-related stress levels low.

Prioritize

Let’s face it: you can’t deprive yourself of every pleasure. Without certain indulgences in your life, you are likely to suffer withdrawals, followed by a sudden rebound with extravagant and unnecessary purchases. If your goal is to cut back on your spending, remember to reward yourself for your willpower by maintaining those little touches you just couldn’t live without.

However, prioritizing means it is necessary to take the time to plan out what is important enough to spend extra on – and what is not. If you do not make a plan, you will find yourself writing off every unnecessary expense as something you “just couldn’t live without.” Not everything can be a priority, so set limits for yourself! Consider what is most important to you: perhaps the weekly girls’ or guys’ night out, or the more expensive brand of a particular product, or spending a little more on the energy bill so that you can come home every day to a comfortably air-conditioned home. Once your priorities are established, you can set about planning ways to save money in the rest of the arena.

Cut Back

The best way to save money is, of course, to cut back on what you buy. Do you really need to go clothes shopping again? Or buy that video game? Most financial problems are caused by trying to live above your means, and can be solved by weeding out unnecessary purchases.

Of course, being too restrictive with your spending can result in rebounding. Try setting an allowance for yourself: a weekly or monthly sum set aside as play money. It’s easier to budget when you’re sitting down with the checkbook than when you’re shopping, so make this decision before hitting the mall – and once the fun cash is gone, be firm with yourself, and save any further shopping for the next pay period. With any luck, you’ll soon find yourself being more selective with your purchases in order to make sure that you have enough money for the really good ones.

Save a Penny, Earn a Penny

Saving money doesn’t always have to mean buying less – sometimes it means buying cheap. There are a hundred and one ways to save money and still buy what you want and need.

Buy Generic Brands

Sure, the name brands don’t seem that much more expensive – what’s forty cents? However, taking that attitude with two-thirds of your groceries can put a real dent in your wallet. If you don’t believe it, try the old comparison trick: with one big shopping trip, buy all the name brands as you normally would. With the next big shopping trip, buy only generic brands, whenever they are available. Compare the receipts and you’ll be amazed at what you save! Forty cents per item adds up quickly when you have a full cart!

Clip Coupons… But Only for What You Already Buy

Don’t fall into the trap of buying something only because you have a coupon for it. If you wouldn’t normally buy the item, or would buy a considerably less expensive version, you aren’t really saving anything – you’re spending more to buy something you wouldn’t normally, which is why they gave you the coupon. So by all means, look for coupons and sales – but remember that it will only save you money if the deal is on something you already plan to purchase.

Shop at Discount Stores

Discount stores are a fabulous way to save money and still get everything on your shopping list – perhaps even without sacrificing your favorite brand names. There are discount stores for all varieties of shopping. Some “super” stores – such as Wal-Mart, Kmart, and Target – offer discounted groceries, clothes, books, movies, household items… Basically anything you could ever need in or around the house. There are also plenty of discount stores for clothing and home décor, such as Ross and T.J.Maxx. These stores offer a selection comparable to ordinary stores, but at a fraction of the price, allowing you to stock your kitchen, find household items, or supplement your wardrobe without blowing your budget.

Shop at Second-Hand Stores

Nothing beats the prices at garage sales and second-hand stores, and although you’ll often need to spend a little more time to find what you want, the lure of unexpected treasures can make the extra time spent seem worthwhile. Some second-hand items – such as clothing and linens – may require a close inspection, but other items – such as glassware and other home décor – are abundantly available and generally in good condition. Second-hand stores provide a low-cost means to furnish your house, and they can be a good source for items such as books, collectibles, and antiques.

Online Resources

Buying second-hand – and still getting exactly what you want – is easier than ever now, with the rise of the online industry. Huge online stores such as eBay.com and Amazon.com provide a national – and sometimes international – selection. At smaller sites, such as Craigslist.org and Freecycle.org, you can find local low- or no-cost second-hand listings.

Find Low-Cost Entertainment Options

Let’s face it – you won’t be very successful at spending less unless you are able to still have fun. Having fun doesn’t have to be expensive, however. Look for low- or no-cost ways to entertain yourself and your loved ones. For instance, instead of going out for dinner, you and your date can cook your meal together, perhaps trying a brand new recipe. Rather than spending more than twenty bucks at the movie theater, rent a new release and watch it from the comfort of your own home. Instead of spending a small fortune on books each month, browse the selection your local library or used bookstore has to offer. Instead of paying for a gym membership, explore outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, mountain biking, and rollerblading. Mother Nature has plenty of other free resources as well, such as camping, hiking, and beautiful, untouched swaths of land designated as parks and tourist attractions. Look for free community events, often announced in local newspapers and newsletters. Be creative – and remember, there’s no reason why you should have to pay to have fun!

Spend More to Spend Less

As contrary as it may sound, there are times when spending more actually means spending less. To determine when spending more will actually benefit you more than saving a little money, decide whether the money you spend in the present will actively save you money in the future.

Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk is one of the best ways to save money by spending more in the present. Grocery stores such as Sam’s Club offer bulk groceries – and bulk savings – to their members, who pay a minimal annual membership fee. If you take full advantage of your membership, you can easily save far more than the annual fee. Buying in bulk is especially useful for families or houses with several roommates.

Stock Up

“Stocking up” doesn’t mean that you just make sure to have plenty of food or toilet paper; it also means making sure you have the proper tools for the job. Having a certain pan on your shelf can mean the difference between going out for dinner, and making the same quality meal at home yourself.

Put Your Credit Cards in the Freezer

Credit cards can mean nothing but trouble when you are trying to save money, especially if you are already trying to pay off debt. If you don’t have the willpower to keep them in your wallet without using them, then leave them at home – it won’t be an impulse buy if you have time to think about it on the way home to get your card. Better yet, keep your credit cards in the freezer – waiting for them to thaw out will ensure that you really do think about the purchase before making it.

Do It Yourself

Paying other people to do things for you can get expensive. Not every task is possible for the layperson, but some tasks – like mowing the lawn, cleaning the house, and performing routine maintenance (such as oil changes) on the car – are easily learned by the average person. Handling such everyday tasks on your own can save you a lot of money.

Stick to Your Guns

The key to successfully saving money is, of course, to not give up. Saving money takes time and persistence, and if you get discouraged and give in to temptation, you can nullify weeks or even months of self-restraint. So set reasonable goals, and stick to them!