Who said it's a bad thing to have standards of life's comforts, but it's not worth it at the risk of stress from debt. Also I believe these things will be distracting from either shopping, or whatever else caused your debt in the first place. At times of saving money cutting things out of your life like going out to eat, out to the movies, getting movie rentals, the gym membership, getting your nails done and shopping is extremely necessary until you get back on your feet. Honestly though, it can be awfully depressing, so it's better that you just get back out into the world, in a free way. I truly believe if you get rid of everything  you love you won't ever adjust. If there is an inexpensive pleasure keep it.

1. Go to the library. This is my favorite because my local library has free DVD and CD rentals. Oh yeah, it also has books. A great place to start in the book world would be with the pop culture best sellers. It's good to catch up with those and maybe check out the self help books. Just return them on time because then you will have to pay the late fees and all your money should be going to your credit cards.

2. ride your bike. I like this one too, only because when I used to go to the gym I used the bike machine. Now I ride my bike to the library. It takes a half hour (I spent an hour at the gym, plus driving time) and I get free movies, a good work out, and I spend no money, especially not on gas. It doesn't take long until this can become a habit. That's always the hardest part of change, stick it out and anything can become the norm.

3. I go to free Expos a lot. I guess the thing I miss most about shopping is the variety, the leisure walking, and getting new things. i get all that at expos, like home shows, wedding expos, health expos etc. Look up your state on a google search.

4. local activities. I suppose this is like expos, but you don't come home with a lot of stuff.  Local activities can fill the void that trying to save money will bring. There are tons of free activities. For example clubs, like certain chapters of the DAR  have guest speakers and invite the public to join, usually for free. Colleges also have free conferences. i went to a free environmental conference at one. Churches have free picnics or potlucks open to the public (usually protestant churches). Also there are free concerts, plays, author signings, movie screenings, financial seminars by local churches, banks and even the IRS, and free book clubs. Keep your eye out, read those fliers, the free town newspaper and don't be afraid to do Internet searches. Going to these things bring you into contact with new people, and opens new chapters of your life.

5. Buy second Hand. When there is something that you really need like an ice tray to replace a cracked one, dishes to put gift cookies on, a one time outfit for you or your child and everything in between it is better to just  buy it second hand. There's nothing wrong with second hand items, and you'll never believe how much money you'll save and what the items you paid full price for are worth now. Try it out with an open mind, it will help you battle your debt and still fulfill your responsibilities. Plus it's fun it's like a treasure hunt. Also, not buying new things will help the environment and make us less dependent on China and other international trade since the US dollar is somehow worth less than the Canadian one.

6. Replace your vacations with trips to family member's houses. I always have a lot of fun with this. you can get to know your family members and you probably won't have to get a hotel. It's amazing how much there is to learn about the people you know.

7. Shop around for prices or services. It's amazing how much you can save when you do a little research. You can save on everything from electronics, food, plumbers, masseuses, nail salons, and even international food.

8. Barter. Bartering has become very popular. You can trade your skills, knowledge and especially things you have no use for for something you need and would have had to fork over needed money for.  Be Green Save Green offers a barter section on the website, but there are also local barter clubs and postings for Barters on Craig's list.