The following is a guest post by Renee of Tune My Heart Blog
Sometimes I'll jokingly say to my husband, "when we're out of debt, I would like to buy __________."
Then we both say, "womp womp," because it's not really a joke. There are a lot of fun, extra, optional things we aren't buying right now while we pay down student loans.
1. Books, Music, Movies & TV
The hubs and I like all of these things. If we weren't giving gobs of our money to Auntie Sallie Mae, we'd load up our kindle accounts, buy new music, go to movie theaters, and watch cable.
Right now, however, we use the library or borrow books from family and friends. We listen to music we already own, YouTube channel playlists, google play radio with ads, or free podcasts.
2. Eating Out
We almost never eat out. There is no I'm-too-tired-to-cook-let's-get-pizza card anymore.
For lazy nights, it's PB and J, pancakes, rice and beans, or something that requires a similar level of energy. And yes, I said rice and beans. All 3 of my family members love rice and beans. I barely tolerate them.
3. Clothes
My husband and I each have a small amount of "pocket money," or "blow money" every month. The only new clothes we buy right now come out of this category. Whether it's a clothing necessity [underwear], or fun purchase [vacation outfit], it always comes out of our individual pocket money.
As someone who used to shop whenever I wanted, this is a big change. The silver lining is that it now feels like a treat (rather than an entitlement) if I do spend my monthly pocket money on a fun clothing item.
4. Random Kid Stuff
Toys, games, puzzles, clothes, whatever. We don't buy it. Any fun treats for the kids come out of individual pocket money or Swagbucks.
We also have a very small monthly kid budget ($10) that somehow has lasted us through all the kid necessities.
Our kids have very generous friends and relatives who keep them in style and get them fun toys. Plus we love sharing hand-me-downs and toy-swapping with friends.
If the kids do need something boring like new socks, shoes, or undies, the $10 budgeted amount rolls over each month and ends up covering it.
5. Home Improvements
We rent right now, so we are not responsible for the major necessary home fixes (water heaters, air conditioners, plumbing, etc.)
It was really hard for me mathematically to justify "wasting" the money to rent when we could pay the same amount monthly toward ownership. But the thing is, it's not the same.
Any homeowner will tell you there are always extra expenses to owning a home. The cost of renting is 100% fixed. Not to mention, we didn't have the 20% down payment so we would have added PMI.
I'm not saying you need to sell your house in order to get out out of debt. Often that's not a good idea. But trying to buy a home for the first time with a pile of debt can be stressful. Renting has kept our costs and stress minimal. Plus, I put no pressure on myself to decorate or have a nice home.
I love home decorating, but since our current home is relatively short-term, it's easier for me to not decorate or paint or fix things up. The goal is to get financially free and get out of here, not make it so beautiful that we don't want to leave. 
These are just 5 of our "off-limits" purchases. I'd love to know what you do to find extra money in your budget!
Renee is a former music teacher turned stay-at-home mom blogger. She loves Jesus, people & coffee. She writes on Tune My Heart Blog about babies, budgeting, grace and everything in between.
