The simple approach is to live below your means. That sounds obvious, but I know lots of people who are upside down in their mortgages and who have big car payments. It's not easy, but it's possible and I think the world would be better off if everyone lived within their means.
I live WAY below my means. I buy all of my clothes (except underwear!) at thrift stores. I don't have any kind of what my daughter calls "bags" that I call a purse. I mean, I have a $10 purse that is falling apart but I don't see the need for 10 different expensive ones that are "cute". I don't have any expensive electronics, dish TV, etc. I don't ever go out to eat. We eat better at home anyway!
I paid cash (by saving frugally) for my last two vehicles. Not fancy trucks and cars at all, just a Chevy Z-71 in 2004 and a Hyundai Elantra in 2009.
I don't have a mortgage, or credit card bills. If I can't afford something, I don't buy it.
The best way to start is to really think about what your needs are, vs your wants. We all need food, clothing, and shelter. No one "needs" an iphone or a big screen TV. For things that are important to you (cooking, brewing, sewing, whatever), make sure you enjoy the hobby enough to justify the expenses. But still, stick to a budget with an eye for the future. If you can save $10 a week now, it will really add up over the long term and you won't even miss it if you put it away every week. $10 a week is what? Two gourmet coffees a week? Two meals at McDonald's? Most people spend a few dollars here and there (the Latte' Factor) and seem to always be broke. Don't fall into that trap!