live within means

live within (one's) means

To spend less or only as much money as one is earning or is able to pay in order avoid exceeding one's budget or going into debt. You need to start living within your means and avoid making so many frivolous purchases. Being so poor during college taught me how to live within my means.
See also: live, mean, within
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

live within one's means

to spend no more money than one has. We have to struggle to live within our means, but we manage. John is unable to live within his means.
See also: live, mean, within
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • live within (one's) means
  • within (one's) means
  • live beyond (one's) means
  • live beyond means
  • live beyond/within your means
  • beyond (one's) means
  • beyond means
  • beyond one's means
  • (from) top to toe
  • (there's) no peace/rest for the wicked
References in periodicals archive
That was always the business plan - after the initial burst of spending to catch up with elite clubs who have been heavily investing for years, it was always an aim to live within means, and improve those means by ramping up City's commercial value.
The pain in Spain
Those who can struggle and live within means have no need to compromise or to cross the line from 'Halal' to 'Haram'.
Crossing the line
It cannot be considered a mini-budget, a desire to live within means, nonetheless.
IKonomic reforms
A desire to live within means was expressed, nonetheless.
Economic reform or tinkering
The citizens of Pakistan ought to thank IMF for the assistance program, but will also have to learn to live within means. It is not difficult but needs solid commitment and support by all the political parties.
Bail out by IMF or plunging Pakistan deeper into debt trap
By developing a budget, the OFW will be able to identify priorities, review needs versus wants and, ultimately, be able to live within means. It takes two to tango in budgeting.
OFWs must save, insure and invest
The government should learn to live within means as Pakistan has become one of the most debt-stressed country of the world.
Import of used vehicles
"Stop borrowing and try to live within means? Oh, my, that's such a great piece of advice.
Harvard economist advising Kerala CM faces flak, trolls
with country is a difficult decision to ensure there fair deal across future generations ensure the country can live within means. This will help to make sure country can offer people decent which is He pension.s in their old age in a way that increasing life expectancy the can also afford."
WORK 'TIL YOU DROP; Slave driving Chancellor announces retirement age will rise to 70 PS
The county should "live within means by re-establishing service priorities."
County listens to task forces
Third, they have to cut government spending to live within means. Too much debt-financing must be avoided at any cost so that price stability can be restored.
Africa: portrait of a continent in crisis