Need to get out of the red and into the black? Use the following tips from iVillagers as you pave the path to prudence

1.Use cash instead of credit
Don't carry your credit cards with you - this will make you think before you make a purchase.
karen12238

2.Have meatless days
We go meatless a couple of times a week. We started doing it during times when we needed to watch our money, and even now that we don't have to so much, we still do it! Have spaghetti without meat, stir-fried veggies or baked potatoes topped with broccoli and melted cheese.
Wendy

3.Glamorous for less
Ask your salon if it has a training night. Hairdressers-in-training often cut your hair just as well as your fully trained hairdresser would (they're supervised by senior staff), but for a fraction of the usual cost.
nberes

4.Take packed lunches
When I go grocery shopping, I buy food that I can keep at work - soups, frozen meals, snacks, etc. I find that I can save up to £30 a week.
wunder who

5.Rummage for bargains
Go to car boot sales. I use the Internet to check different newspapers for sales in a larger area than where I live. We have saved hundreds of pounds over the years by doing this. It's also great fun!
13kat

6.Get something back from your credit cards
I suggest finding a credit card that offers some type of reward (cash back, phone discounts, etc.) and always haggle for a low APR if you plan on carrying transferring a balance. Credit card companies are so competitive - if you call your credit card company and tell them you've found a lower APR on another card, they'll often match it.
bjaye

7.Sign on for freebies
My sister-in-law and I have learned that if we really like a product, we can call the company and ask to be put on their free sample list, and also ask for coupons. Between the two of us, we've received over 75 free coupons.
m316

8.Stick around money
The best money-saving tip I can give is to stick around the iVillage community! There are always new tricks and ideas being swapped.
connorsmommy