It isn't easy being your average citizen these days. Economic conditions continue to slog through periods of modest growth and decline, jobs are still hard to come by, and real estate prices haven't come close to the vigor of years past. Despite these obstacles, however, the dream of financial independence can still be made into a reality. The road is long and easy doesn't come into play, but the right dose of frugality will get you there sooner than you think.Beginning a TransformationMuch like losing weight, at some point, we all hit a certain "breaking point." Living paycheck to paycheck and strggling to make payments/improvements to your home finally comes to a head, and you decide "Enough is enough!" This is the first step. If you find yourself in this situation, start picking up Personal Finance books and blogs and start educating yourself in the subtle ways of personal finance. From there, honestly evaluate your situation and start plotting your way out. You may have to make drastic changes, like selling your home or taking on an extra job, or you may simply have to tweak your existing budget. As you gain confidence, you'll see your savings start to grow and your budgets start hitting their targets.Successful BudgetingIf you're looking to make a functional budget, you'll need to be sure to include everything. Here are items you'll need:Fixed Expenses: Bills that hit every month such as phone bills and insurance fall into this cateogry. If these bills seem high, look for reduction steps like new insurance policies or a new cell phone plan.Variable Expenses: Sometimes expenses change frequently. Food, utilities, and clothing can all change from month to month depending on your needs. Try to narrow it down to a range and stay within it.Big Expenses: These include your car, house, and other large purchases you'll need. Always approach these purchases carefully, and try to weigh the cost and benefits as much as possible.