I've set up an automatic deposit from my paycheck every pay cycle into savings. it doesn't have to be a large amount, even $20-50 depending on how much you make and how many pay cycles you have every month. I've started only drinking on the weekends and when I DO go out, I be sure to get started at home base. You end up saving money like that. For every $12 cocktail you have at the bar you could have had AT LEAST a six pack of good beer at home. If you have bad habits, like smoking, quit. That's a savings right there. Did that myself a few years back. Instead of getting coffee from Starbucks or Coffee Bean every morning I perk a pot when I get to work. I try to bring a lunch a few times a week so I'm not always eating out. There's tons of ways to scrape money off the top of things. Turning off all lights and electronics when you're not in a room etc etc. Down grade your cell phone plan. Get a reduced plan that still covers your mins but doesn't cost as much. Stop driving really aggressively, you burn more gas that way and end up refilling more frequently. etc etc etc.