I can't afford new kitchen cabinets what is the best way to Update?

A lot of times a really good cleaning with hot water and dish liquid or a de-greaser makes a world of difference. Then changing the handles/knobs to an updated style helps a lot. Some are expensive, but not as expensive as new cabinets!! Also be sure to pay attention to the holes you already have (usually single or double) and how thick the cabinet door is. Good luck! :)

A friend of mine painted her cabinets and I walked in and thought she had new ones installed. She painted them a light cream, as they were dark before. Then she rubs a few places here and there to end up with a really cute antique look to them. Good luck

What are the cabinets made out of?

If they are wood, you can paint them. You can buy some really nice kits to repaint them from Home Depot. If you live in an apartment, where you're not allowed to make permanent changes, you can look at Contact paper. They make some that peels off really easily and it can make a world of difference. I have a friend who bought some in white, put it on her cabinets, then painted the contact paper. It looks awesome and she can take it down in seconds if they decide to move.

I have/had the old 70s style fronts on my cabinet doors, but when looking at the inside of the doors the reveal was only 1/4 inch, so I reversed them and painted them with Cottage white. Just like having a whole new kitchen getting rid of the golden oak.I proceeded to paint the golden oak crown molding and then saw a tutorial on making the window frames like the old farmhouse deep ceil, Would do it all over again in a heart beat. Good luck with whatever you choose

Paint (make sure you learn all you can about prepping before painting) and new hardware. You will be amazed!