You can curb spending without skimping on pleasure. The opportunities to run short on cash seem to grow exponentially as your life grows more complex. Whether you've just been laid off, had a new baby, bought a house or are paying dearly for past sins, you're feeling the pinch.
 

Shop sparingly: Ever go to a mall thinking you'll buy one thing then just browse and see what else you need?  Much of the shopping we do is  frivolous shopping. It's what we spend unconsciously, habitually, impulsively. It's better to keep a running list of what you need, and shop only when the tally is long enough to justify the trip. If you shop with friends for entertainment, consider other enjoyable diversions. Go out for tea, take a walk together or have each other over for dinner.

Give creatively: You can "express love twice with one gift" this holiday season by giving a donation to a favorite charity in the names of friends or family members instead of buying them something, Robin suggested. You and the gift recipient have the satisfaction of knowing the money is being used for a good cause; and you get to take a tax deduction if you itemize. If money's really tight, consider giving "time coupons" - i.e., your time for a service, such as a series of weekly half-hour massages, suggested Shel Horowitz, author of The Penny-Pinching Hedonist. If you do plan on buying gifts, set price caps that fit your budget and stick to them. There are plenty of satisfying gifts under £20,and even more so this year given that retailers are offering deep discounts.

Do your food shopping for the long haul: The most expensive thing you can do is shop for food you need this week, since you're likely to pay premium prices. Except for food that spoils easily, shop for foods and staples when they're on sale and buy enough for several weeks' worth. For emergency short-term savings, skip grocery shopping altogether until you have used up all the food that's been sitting in your house for weeks.   

Use cash to pay for food: Pay for food with cash. We're betterr shoppers when we go into the super-market with £60 in our pocket. Debit cards, which draw money directly from your bank account, are often dangerous since they make more money available to us than we need and encourage impulse purchases.

Clip (some) coupons: Coupons are great when they're for products we regularly use and when they make those products less costly than the generic brands. But buying something we don't need just because we have a coupon is a waste of money. So clip judiciously.

Turn clothes to cash: Clothes you don't like, furniture and appliances you never use and that Star Wars memorabilia even you've grown tired of -- all probably have cash potential, despite the mean things your spouse says about them. Try any of the following: Donate them and get a tax-deduction; post them to online auction sites (EBay for example); sell them to consignment shops; or have a car-boot sale.

Keep yourself entertained:  Dying to go to the theater or to a major sporting event? Volunteer to usher and see the event for free. If you're crazy for books, magazines, films and CDs, visit your public library, where you can get all that and more for free. Libraries also may offer interesting lectures and entertainment for little or no admission fee.

Drive a car you can afford: Contrary to public opinion, you are not what you drive. You may need a car, but you probably don't need the trendiest, priciest model.  If you do hit the car dealer's showroom, be sure to bargain. Tell the dealer you can get a similar car for less but that you would buy the dealer's car that day if the dealer could match the "lower price".

Take in a tenant: Renting out your  spare room may make the difference between keeping your house or losing it when you're really squeezed for cash. But be sure to get references a credit check. Besides the income, there's another potential upside to having a tenant: You may make a new friend.

Let your credit card pay you: If you pay your credit card bills in full and on time every month, be sure to have a card that rewards you for your purchases. Some, for instance, offer frequent flyer miles or cash back.

Share and share alike: Look for ways to share common expenses with others. For instance, if you have young kids, consider trading babysitting services with other parents in your neighborhood, or carpool to work.

Conserve energy: There are lots of cheap, energy-saving tricks that will cut your heating and electricity bills. Among them, Horowitz said, insulate draughty windows and get socket protectors - the kind designed to prevent 2-year-olds from sticking forks in sockets. They'll cut down on drafts and prevent heat leakages.

Exercise for free: Unless it's your greatest pleasure, a health club membership can be a pricey way to sweat, especially if you go infrequently. Consider forgoing the monthly expense, and go hiking or biking on your own instead, Horowitz suggested.

Forgo some "optionals:" Lattes in the morning and lunches out. Hiring a gardener and housekeeper. Getting your nails done. All are enjoyable indulgences when you're flush with cash. But during tough times, the little luxuries may need to go. Look at the money side of your life like a business. Temporary belt-tightening may be required but don't get discouraged. After all, it doesn't have to be forever.