Know where your money is going! This is one that I did once (several years ago) and was shocked at where my money was really going! It’s simple, carry around a little notepad and mark down every dollar you spend, whether it’s $25 on gas, or $1.25 in the vending machine. After a week add up where the money went. It’ll make you think twice about stopping at Starbucks every morning!

Make a spending plan.  Just like you’d map a plan for a road trip, map out a plan for your money. Set goals (like pay extra on your credit card to have it paid off by October) and monitor your progress. Reevaluate your plan every few months and make changes as needed.