1.Follow your money. Find out where you are spending your money. For two to three months, ask for receipts anywhere you shop and keep them. Keep an account of every dime you spend. At the end of the day, jot down in a selected book what you bought and how much went towards it. Ensure to add your bills. Keep your checkbook up to date also. Following your money, you will observe your spending pattern.

2.Create a budget. Once you have detected where your money is going, make a list of what you need and what you want. Pay off all your bills first and purchase all necessities before going on a shopping spree.

3.Deposit 10 % of each check into a savings account. In case of emergencies you can tap into your savings to help yourself.

4.In addition to the 10 %, deposit anywhere from 2 to 5 % of your check to build up at least a 3 month financial cushion comparable to your income for three months.

5.Create separate accounts for holiday spending, birthday gifts, wedding, etc.

6.Use coupons to shop, and shop during sales. Using coupons during sales can save you a lot of money.

7.Avoid using credit cards. If you have more than one credit card, cut them up. Keep one to use in case of emergency. Deciding on which one to keep, read choosing a credit card.

8.If you are an impulse shopper, put items on layaway if the item exceeds your weekly budget. Consider leaving your wallet or purse in the car. If you still seem to spend, keep your receipts at the end of the week, calculate the total. Try and reduce your spending by $5 dollars each week. A month after the week you started, you will save $50.

9.If you engage in shop therapy, look for other avenues to release your stress. If you can not break the habit, consider becoming a mystery shopper. That way, you can shop and get paid doing it.