Let me begin like this: money problems from a majority of people are not because they spend too much, but because they earn too little.

Increasing your income should always go hand in hand with cutting unnecessary expenses. Investing first, saving second and spending third is the only right way for financial freedom.

Anyhow, here are five things that will help you spend less money:

1. Get out of debt (unless you are "using debt for investment")

Only when you get rid of debt will you be able to save. Plan for how much money you will set aside each month to pay off debt and work to get rid of it as soon as possible.

Rich people use debt to stay rich and pay less taxes. So debt is not necessarily a monster!

2. Set financial goals

Living day to day without financial goals is unproductive. Decide what you would like to save for and try to visualize that goal.

3. Pay yourself first

When you get a paycheck, pay yourself first is something you can read in almost every article on saving tips. What does that mean? To transfer a certain amount to an investing and/or saving account.

4. Stop smoking

Not because you will spend less (although you will), but because you might live more than 50 without major health issues.

How many times have you heard someone say that they don't know an ex-smoker who now has a lot

5. Do not do over-priced vacations

You can save, by going for cheaper options. There is nothing wrong with a hiking trip, sleeping in tents. Or at least travel with a cheap airline and pick up cheap hotels.