More and more people are beginning to feel the effects of unstable economic times.
Costs seem to continue to rise but the incomes do not do the same.
It is for this reason that it is essential that we all know how to spend less in order to maintain a sound financial footing.
Now this does not necessarily mean that you need to cut out all of the nice things which you like.
Very often it is simply a case of making a couple of lifestyle changes so as to secure your financial future and help you to spend less.
Here are a couple of suggestions which will help you to be able to begin to accomplish this:

• Always have an accurate budget - Having an accurate budget will help you to know your exact financial standing and help you to plan your finances accordingly.
  
• Give up the credit - Spending on credit is one of the main causes for people putting themselves in financial danger.
  Try to cut down on credit spending so as to avoid the interest charges caused by such spending.
  You will find you can spend less the moment you are no longer paying interest on credit.
  
• Take care of the main expenses first - Always pay your main expenses first such as your bond, rates and taxes and other expenses which help you to keep a roof over your head.
  
• Become energy aware - What with rising energy costs, you can spend less by simply unplugging unnecessary electrical appliances when they are not in use.
  Many of these appliances still use power even when they are turned off.
  
• Set your thermostats lower - By simply turning down the thermostats on appliances in your home you will spend less and still be able to live comfortably.
  This really does make a big difference.
  
• Utilize list shopping - Try not to shop according to emotion, rather make a list of what it is you need and stick to it.
  This will also help you considerably to spend less.
  

As you can see, these are all small lifestyle changes, but they will help considerably when it comes to helping you spend less and keep your finances in order through more difficult financial times