When it's time to tighten down and cut expenses, there are several steps to creating and managing an effective budget.  It's not hard to do, but it's no fun either.  While it's essential to financial success to go over old statements and pinpoint problem areas to fix, there are other ways to be frugal.  You will surely benefit from calling up utility companies or negotiating percentage rates with your creditors, but these painless budget tips, are a good start to saving some money.  Best of all, they take minimal effort and don't make too much of a dent in your personal lifestyle.