The best tip: CASH. After you do the budget, putting income in column A and cost in coumn B, decide what weekly spending allowance is, withdrawl the cash.

Once it is gone. It is gone. No plastic. If you don't have money today you WILL NOT have it tomorrow. Just more interest to pay.

Of course if you need credit to survive, do so. If you are in real financial risk, make sure rent and utilities get covered first. We can set anyone up with their local food bank and/or university services.