All these are good ideas, and things that we have always done by habit. But, the bottom line is not to live beyond your means, look for the deals, and put your money where it will retain its value. Oh yeah, and make sure you have a sizeable emergency fund, or some assets that you can turn into cash in an emergency.
........” the bottom line is not to live beyond your means”......
That is the ‘Gold’ standard.
I recall years ago when I stoppd calling it a ‘budget’ when reality said it was really expenditures.
Precious Metals
Canned Food
And a KJV Bible.