Don't bow to peer pressure by feeling that you need to buy the latest fashions or newest gadgets. Think about whether the instant gratification that some of these items will give you are worth the dent in your savings account. This will also help you start to rethink your relationship with material goods. If you want to buy some music, download 1-2 songs, rather than the entire album. For other items, do some price comparisons between stores, or between stores and online prices. You might find that you can save money by shopping around. If you need to use your spending money to buy clothes, books, and so on, buy used items rather than brand new items. Alternately, wait for sales to buy things that you really want, such as around holidays or at the end of the season. If you want to buy something, wait a week before buying it. This will give you time to reconsider if you really need the item. Chances are you'll find that you'd rather keep the money for your car.
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One-sentence summary -- Consider what's most important. Choose less expensive alternatives. Buy used items or items on sale. Refrain from buying on impulse.

Your friend is often inconsiderate of your time. You're better off recognizing the problem for what it is than making excuses for this person. If you want to continue the friendship, but don't want to put up with the behavior, your best option is to say something. Maybe shedding light on the bad behavior will provoke change. You might say, "Hey, Carla. You always seem to bow out of our plans at the last minute without any explanation. That makes me feel like I'm not a priority as your friend. What's up with that?" One way to lend a helping hand to an unreliable friend is to simply ask how you can help. Your friend may already be aware of his or her unreliable behavior, but doesn't know how to change it. By showing that you care, you may be able to come up with a practical strategy to help overcome this issue. Listen to your friend and hear what he or she has to say. Your friend may have some suggestions about how you can help. Or, he or she may just be glad you are willing to show support when it's needed. Only offer suggestions if your advice is requested. Remember, you are trying to be a good friend, not fix the problem for him or her. Say something to the extent of "I see you struggle a lot to remember our plans. Is there something I can do to help you with that?" Sometimes, when we are frustrated with people, we give them a big list of all the things we don't want. This can lead to confusion and overwhelm. Instead, let your friend know exactly what you do want. Then, be sure to hold him or her accountable to meeting these expectations. For example, tell your friend "I expect for you to be on time when we make plans. And, if for some reason you will not be on time, I expect for you to let me know as soon as possible." If your friend agrees to meet this expectation, and then fails to do so, you must call him or her out on it. Say "I am on time for plans with you. I expect you to do the same, or I will let you know that I am upset about your being late." You may choose to change your expectations of the friendship. If the friend is a good friend who has suddenly seen big changes is his or her life, you may just have to move past the fact that there are going to be missed events. As friends start to have committed relationships and families, you may see a sudden spike in your best friend suddenly just not showing up and not calling to say why. This can be a sign he or she is having troubles adjusting to young children and not ready to acknowledge the huge impact kids have on life. If the friendship is solid and valuable, it is worth it to you to just accept this change. Part of being a true friend is accepting your friend for who he or she is and loving him or her anyway.
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One-sentence summary -- Call out the behavior. Ask how you can help your friend improve. Be clear about what you want and hold your friend accountable. Modify your expectations.

If your blood sugar is low, your energy is low too. By eating a hearty meal in the morning, you are "breaking fast" and giving your body an energy boost in the morning. Try to eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods to promote stable energy levels. Sugary cereals and pastries may sound appealing, but they can cause a crash after the initial surge of energy. Get your body moving in the morning, however you can. If you have time to exercise in the morning, that's great. If you don't have time for a full workout, some gentle stretching can do the trick. By moving around and stretching out your body, you get your heart pumping and blood flowing to your brain. You may also get a burst of endorphins, the "feel good" chemicals that are released during physical exercise. It is normal to feel sleepy and lethargic while your body gradually gets used to your new schedule. However no matter how groggy you feel, don't let yourself nap. Sleeping during the day will make it harder for you to fall asleep at night, and you'll undo the hard work you did by waking up early.
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One-sentence summary --
Eat breakfast. Stretch. Refuse naps during the day.