Prior to receiving publication money, I kept my budget to $100/month.

If I earned a little more money from babysitting or other side jobs, I'd use half of that money for my crafting supplies and put the other half into the family pot.

Here are some money saving tips:
1. Only buy something if you can use it more than a few ways. Don't buy something just to use it once!
2. Always use a coupon if you're shopping at a chain store and wait for the sales.
3. Look on Ebay, Etsy, Craigslist, Garage Sales, Splitcoaststampers, EVERYWHERE to purchase 2nd hand. I've found so many good deals out there on 2nd hand big ticket items.
4. Try out for some design teams! If you serve on a design team that you love, you'll receive free products and other items at a discount!
5. Join Wish-RAK on Splitcoaststampers to make "wishes" for stamped images that are free and stamped by other stampers! This is especially good if you love to color images.
6. Have a small yard sale to get rid of items you're not using or put those items up for sale on the sites I mentioned above!
7. Don't subscribe to kits unless you know you're going to use it every month.

I know a gal that has committed herself to making 200 cards before she buys something new. I think that's an AWESOME idea!

My stamping budget varies month to month now because I have all the basics. I think it's important to buy a good supply of inks, cardstock, and basic embellishments and then build on that.

I hope this helps you at least a little because I know how tough it is! It's SOOOO tough to stick to a budget, especially when it seems that everyone around you is buying all the new stuff.