Research has shown that happiness has little to do with income, and those who are poor can often enjoy life better than millionaires or celebrities if they are happy with what they have. I've included four major lifestyle changes that can help you enjoy your time, no matter your income.

Four things you can do to live a low-cost lifestyle:

1. Find an unexpensive hobby you enjoy. Activities are a great distraction from "shopparina" syndrome because prevent you from placing yourself in high-risk budget-breaking scenarios such as the mall, a theme park, restaurant row, and other spur-of-the moment purchases. This could include activities such as running, gardening, crocheting, reading, playing piano, and baking. If you are really talented, you might even be able sell what you make. Books can be borrowed from a library at the cost of transportation-- and you might even learn something. Exercise in any form will make you more fit, and if you run outside, you don't have to pay for a gym membership
2. Volunteer. This is an especially rewarding experience for the socialite, as you get to interact with new people, offer advice, and help those less-advantaged than yourself. Volunteering usually costs nothing but time, and often times can lead a.) business contacts for a better job, b.) lifelong friends, and c.) better self-esteem. If you don't have a car, other volunteers could pick you up and drop you off. Many times, the organization--be it a soup kitchen, tutoring center, or local church--will give its volunteers free meals. That's money you can spend on other things besides food!
3. Reduce your Fixed Expenses. I would have to say this is the most important thing that you can do to save money. All your fixed expenses crowd out the spending money you have for groceries, events, unexpected emergencies, and other day-to-day needs. The more tightly your fixed expense are packed, the more likely you will put too much on your credit card and fall into debt. It's also really important to find apartment where the rent includes utilities. That way, you know exactly how much electric, water, and gas will cost each month.
4. Learn to Cook. Cooking is a life skill that you should learn early and learn to enjoy. It will serve you your entire life. Cooking can cut food costs by 50% or more. Why pay $6.50 for a burger at the local restaurant when you can make 4 burgers for $9.50. ($3.99 for 1 lb of beef, 50 cents for a tomato, $2.00 for rolls, $2-$3 for cheese, plus condiments. Also, when you cook for yourself, you can make your favorite foods the way you like them.

(Please note: this advice is not for those living in abject poverty. There are many government and private services available for those people who live below the single person poverty threshold of $8,500 a year. Add $2,900 per additional person to calculate whether your income falls below this line).