[daveo]

Plan out a budget, where everything is laid out - including all bills and expenses that are due. Make more than the minimum payment. Plan for at least 10% to go into a savings account and live off the rest.

Also, make realistic judgment calls. Err on the safe side. If you simply can not find money in the budget, don't try to squeeze it in. Too often I think we try to live out a "theory" rather than in real life. It is easy to layout something on paper, but when it comes to living and following through, it simply becomes more difficult...

And remember, there has to be some compromise. All work and no play makes for a dull life. Plan some fun into the budget, because it is okay to splurge every once in a while.