1. Sit down and take the time to go through your bank statements and bills to work out how much money you have coming in each month and what your regular outgoing costs are.  It will take a bit of time to do and can be a little depressing, but is well worth doing as it will show you how much money you have to play with each week.

2. If money trickles through your fingers without very much to show for it you may want to consider keeping a spending diary for a month.  The idea is that you write down everything you spend.  If you can't face doing it for a month then try it for a fortnight or even a week.  The most important point is that you are as thorough and detailed as you will never remember everything in this time frame.  Also writing everything down over a period of time also makes you think more carefully about what you're buying and gets you thinking about whether you really want or need that item.

3.  If you can manage it leave debit/credit cards at home.  Just get out money once a week or as you need it and then put the card in its new home (i.e. not in your purse).  I find I'm much less likely to impulse buy when I'm handing over cash.  When you use a card you can slip into a mode of thinking where you tell yourself, its not real money.

4.  Learn to ask yourself 'do I really want it, do I need it, can I afford it'.  If you can't decide then go off and do whatever other jobs you need to do and then come back to buy that item if you decide you do need to get it.  Another question you can through in if you think it applies is 'do I already have one just like it'.  I have a dreadful habit for talking myself into buying spares of thing.  This can be anything from shoes, bags, food, toiletries, you get the idea.

5.  When you are going out to do some shopping, make a list and stick to it.  Shops are deliberately laid out to try and tempt you into buying extras so try and stay focused on your list.

6.  Avoid shopping when your hungry.  You're far more likely to throw random items in your trolley when you're hungry.

7. Buy dry foods like pasta, rice, cereal, etc in bulk - often twice as much works out cheaper than buying a smaller amount twice.

8.  If you find you bin a lot of fresh veg, buy big bags and then cut up on the day you buy them and store in freezer bags in the freezer with the date you bought them written on the front in permanent marker.  When you need veg for cooking you can either cook it from frozen or defrost what you need before cooking. 

9.  Shop brand toiletries and make up are often as good (sometimes better!) than more expensive designer brands. 

10. Charity shops are an excellent place for finding clothing and accessories.  You can usually pick up something that's much better made for less than some of the cheap clothing shops.  Also you can feel pleased with yourself for recycling and giving money to a good cause.  Also keep an eye out for unopened toiletries, especially gift sets as they give you an affordable treat for when you feel the need for a bit of pampering.