Kristen O.
Warning: The method I use is perhaps a bit risky for some; especially those who are tempted to spend.
For me, I find it helps to have my paycheck go directly into my savings account. This way, I really have to debate whether I want to purchase something that is not in my budget because the money is "not there" [in my checking account]. (A set amount is transferred to my checking 1-2 weeks before my credit card payment is due, and I pay in full each month).
It takes quite a bit of discipline and planning this way, but I find that I can save about 13%-20% of my paycheck each month this way. I'll set intermittent savings goals to give me an idea on when I "have enough" to splurge [a set amount] on the purchases that I have been debating, and different savings accounts to make sure I do not dip into savings that have already been assigned to other goals.