So Mike/Readers, if I may ask: What tricks do you use to make sure you're properly stocked/organized/under control and avoid overspending dumb money because you're not prepared. — S.M.M.

Don't do the things you hate. If you hate making coffee, don't attempt to drop your daily coffee shop habit. Don't cancel cable if you love your TV shows so darn much. You'll just give up and blame these attempts at saving for making you miserable.