What’s the key to being a smart spender? It’s really about thinking before you spend.

Sometimes it’s hard not to buy things you want, even if you really don’t need them. And even things that don’t seem expensive, like snacks, magazines, or a fab new lip gloss, can add up—and chip away at your cash.

If you’re always out of money, it’s probably a good idea to put how you spend in the spotlight. It’s important to have money for the things you must pay for, like your cell phone bill, or sports team dues. So, a good plan is to set aside the funds you’ll need to cover those must-pay expenses first.

Then, if you have money left over, you can choose to spend it however you like—pizza with your friends, a pair of killer shoes, or maybe those awesome concert tickets.