how do you do it?

As db said, live within your means. People not living within their means is a large part of why the economy is so bad. If you can afford a $100,000 house, don't buy a $200,000 house. If you can afford a $20,000 car, don't buy a $30,000 car. And throw your credit cards in the fireplace...they are a ripoff and you don't need them...

Alright Faceman I am going to have to go and post something political just so we start disagreeing again.
I am with you Faceman.
I know more than a few people that make very good money but they spend every dime of it to impress others.
I would rather have money in the bank and no debt than to worry about how I'm going to pay for the new car I buy every year.
Pay yourself first. Put something to the side for a rainy day. Shalom

Goodness dbarabians! I just bought a slightly used vehicle this year to replace the 16 year old Jeep I had been driving for 14 years. I tend to maintain my vehicles and pretty much drive them until I reach the point of when the maintenance will start costing me. But, I thank people like you, for without you, I would not have my wonderful "new" used vehicle!

To the Op, like what most have said, budget! I am always asking myself if it is a "want" or a "need". If a need then I evaluate how to attain at the best price. I , like many here, like to have a savings account. Lets me sleep easier at night. Of course, that means saying NO to myself over many things. But what's truly important to me aren't things. It's family, friends and my "ponahs".

I agree with the live within your means. Budget. Cut back. Toss out the credit cards. Pay with cash.

As far as paying off loans, pick the smallest loan and pay it off as soon as you can. With the weight from say a $500 CC is lifted you can take the "$50" a month you applied to that debt to pay it and use it in addition to the bill you already have for the next highest debt. Say a $2000 student loan. Now the credit card is paid off and you have an extra $50 to throw on the student loan.

When you get out, stay out. All of this has helped us achieve nothing but a mortgage. We hope to have all of our larger purchases made in cash now. We'd like a new car (new used, that is) and eventually a garage! But saving up the money is much more relaxing than getting the loan and being under the debt.

You know times are bad when people start taking their horses and turning them loose on other people's farm or ranchland...or even in federal forest areas. It's been happening some around here.

LIAR! That's just propaganda made up by the pro-slaughter people! ALL horses are wanted, loved, and properly cared for!!!

Who are the pro-slaughter people?

Uh...everyone except bunny lickers?...

I do alot of the same things you guys do. :) I was just enjoying the relief of having a little bit of debt paid off soon.
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Back in the day, when we were raising two small kids & only hubby worked full time, I baked all my own bread & cookies, no cable tv, only one car, public library was our entertainment, no luxuries whatsoever. Only had one horse, a Welsh/Arab & I worked parttime training others horses, no frills. Our holidays consisted of packing a picnic lunch & heading out to the lakes. You want to cut back huh? Well cut out the cell phone, cable tv, internet, all outside meals, make all your own food, take a bus if possible, no big ticket items AT ALL. We did this for years, now life is good & our investments have paid off and I am enjoying the fruits of our frugility & labors