Also, if you are young and on the forums and wondering why it all seems so expensive - this is perhaps the greatest gift I can give:
http://earlyretirementextreme.com/ho...s-part-ii.html
So a disclaimer, it is the presentation of a method of extreme frugality, attaining a savings goal from income and saving a very high percentage of it which is then invested to generate a return. Its focus is as much on this as ways to not spend in the first place, how to not be in debt; it might not be for you so as with all financial matters, don't consider this forum post as advice, investigate it for yourself and run it past professionals if you have to.