Good work in looking at things head on and dealing with them:
Some tips I use when I am being frugal: -work only in cash, no debit or credit cards as they don't feel like real money -like Panda said generic brands and bulk buying -before you buy ANYTHING stop and ask yourself "Do I really need this?" I found I was spending so much on magazines/newspapers/drinks/treats when I would pop into the shop for bread. - I also found that doing a spreadsheet (sounds very OTT/Monica I know) every payday with a column for what comes in and another column for what is going out, and an entry for every item you spend money on, really helps to focus you and realise how much you actually spend on frivolous things that you didn't need. I also analysed my spending at the end of every month to see what percentage was going on what, and got some surprises. It's only when you KNOW how much you earn and how much you spend that you can cut it. The first month I did it I realised that I spent €200 that month more than I had earned and that quickly brought me back to reality. - I really recommended consolidating your debt, have only one repayment to make, take out a low cost loan instead of having the two credit cards. Live solely on cash.
Do you have voluntary money advice bureau's over there? We have them here and they are a great service to help people figure out how to use their money wisely and to reduce debt etc.
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Re: Getting real with life....could use advice about $$.
