When most people think about living on a budget they assume that you have to eat ramen noodles every day. This is probably the furthest thing from reality. There are thousands of ways that you can save money without cutting back on food and entertainment.
Here are some things you can do:
Barter - if you need something from someone, try bartering. Barter sites like Swappables are perfect for swapping clothes, books or other things.
Eat less - if you don't want to starve, you might as well use what you do eat wisely. Try eating fewer calories per meal.
Sell stuff - if you have items that others might be interested in, sell them online or on craigslist.
Donate stuff - if you can afford it, consider donating things. If you don't have a place to put them, give them away at local shelters.
Turn off electronics - turn off your TV and laptop. If you can't afford to do this, find a cheap way to watch TV online.
Use coupons - if you're a savvy shopper, use coupons for things you normally buy.
Buy on sale - sometimes you'll find that you can actually buy certain items for much less if you wait until they go on sale.
Buy used - If you're buying something new, consider buying a used version instead. They can be cheaper and still be new enough to look good.
Use public transportation - if you can afford to use public transportation, take advantage of it! Many people are afraid of public transport because they feel like they're missing out. The truth is that public transport is extremely affordable, reliable and convenient.
Saving money doesn't have to mean spending less. With a little creativity, you can actually save a ton of money. If you really need to spend money on something, choose to do it carefully and you'll almost certainly end up saving a bunch.
Save what you can