I save money by keeping a budget. The budget provides a framework of knowing. Knowing when it is best for me to say no to buying something. If I have gone without, and I suffer for it then that is a lesson that I needed to learn. I can make trade offs, something I want goes by the wayside to pay for something I need. I need food and shelter, the rest? Mostly wants. A need can only be deferred for a short time, but a want could be eliminated altogether if times are rough and money is tight.
