1.  Create a budget for ONLY absolute necessities like bills, groceries and gas.  If you already have a grocery budget, stick to your normal numbers.

2.  No shopping for clothes or shoes.  This will help you learn to make the best use of what you already own and stop buying things that are a “good deal,” but that you don’t really need.

3.  No eating out and no gourmet coffees.  This will means packing lunches for work and making meals at home each night.  Eating out and quick trips to Starbucks are big budget eaters.

4.  Going on a date?  That means no paid babysitters and no paid activities.  This will give you the chance to do something creative and romantic.  Try swapping babysitting duties with friends and go for a walk or pack a picnic in the park.

5.  Get the kids on board.  Explain what you’re doing and why.  It can be as simple as “we’re not going to eat out, and no buying toys, movies or games during the spending fast.”  You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get them on board.

In that one-month window you’ll be amazed how quickly you can save money and get your finances back on track!