I have tried for years and years to save money - the best thing I have ever done is create a budget for our family. I included things I thought I would need over the next year broken down into 12 smaller payments, allowance money, out to eat money, groceries, "blow" money, school supplies, clothing, etc... anything that is particular to your family. It actually gives me more freedom, not less and I keep track of it on Excel, but you could use Quicken, a notebook, Microsoft Money, the cash envelope system. I know now what I need to pay and save money by not having late bills, "surprises, etc...

Erica