Any specific tips? (from anyone!)
Only spend the money on living expenses and things you NEED for the majority. Work out exactly the difference between your needs and wants first off.
I focus on breaking down my income into 3 parts mainly. Work out the percentage you NEED each week for things like mortgage/living arrangements, bills, groceries etc. Then I put away another set percentage per week into savings and stick solid to that. After that, the rest can be for leisure (cd's, meals out, hobbies etc.)
All through my twenties I spent as little as possible, besides cd's. That was one thing I really splurged on all the time. I don't drink, smoke, go out much so that was my pleasure for years. I restrain more now most of the time, but I wished I restrained more through my twenties. I would have a lot more money. My thing, if I held back one week on my leisure spending, I wouldn't bank it up, the extra would go into savings. Maybe if I were buying something bigger I'd restrain for a few weeks to get it, but I wasn't buying things very often. I just bought a new computer a month ago after 15 years and still purchased the cheapest PC they had. You eventually become frugal over time and it becomes a lifestyle.
The car thing Tim said is debatable. I spend 30K on a car and don't regret it. But I won't be buying another one until this one is run into the ground. Saying that, my income allowed it and I didn't get that car until I was 30, so I was well prepared.
And yes, don't spend $20, on soap. WTF?!