1. Make a personal, household budget and stick to it. It's really rule number one, and it will keep you on track. Include utilities, rent/house payment, taxes, emergency fund, gasoline, entertainment, personal and more. Basically, every item you spend money on. To begin, go back and look at credit card purchases, checks you use to pay bills with, and cash you spend. This way you can identify areas you can cut back on. We have an entertainment budget for example. Once we reach the limit....that's it.

2. Try to buy in bulk if you can. Those big box stores can be a great source of saving money on items you use/consume frequently and can be an added source of savings to your coupons clipping. I also cook in bulk. For example, I'll cook a big roast, and still have left over meat for at least one more meal usually two or three. (Think shredded meat tacos, stew, beef stroganoff etc). That $10-$15 roast will end up costing about $5 per meal for two or more people. Just make sure you use what you buy. Throwing away uneaten food is costly.

3. Plan your meals in advance so you don't throw away food. It will also help you pass by pricey items you don't need when you're at the grocery store. Stick to your list.

4. Shop sales....Use your coupons for additional savings on sale items, just make sure they really are a good bargain and not a ploy. Stores can use the word "sale" as a marketing tool without giving a real discount to consumers. Become an informed shopper. Also, when determining which product to buy, look at the cost per unit/pound etc. Just because it's priced lower, doesn't mean you're getting the best deal.

5. Going to the movies is WAY to expensive but you don't have to miss seeing your favorites...just wait until they come out on DVD. Serve some popcorn and candy and enjoy the film with family and friends in the comfort of your own home. (If you want to buy cheap family, classic movies for less than the cost of going to the movies, and often under $2.00, click here)

..We love our pets, but they can be expensive. Here's a site we found that will save on gifts, and supplies you buy for your pets. Click on the photo for savings.

6. Buy used whenever possible. In fact as far as household items and furniture etc. my sister swears she'll never buy new again. I followed her advice recently and saved several hundred dollars. Go online and look at items for sale on craigslist, shop thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales.

7. Limit your usage of television, and when it's not in use turn it off. In fact, you can cut out cable entirely, around $60 a month, if you're really wanting to save, and still see all the normal prime-time network favorites with Hulu. You can sign up for free at http://hulu.com

8. Use an electric blanket in the winter to save on those high heating bills instead of using your whole house heating system. You can save literally hundreds of dollars a year with this savings tip. 

9. Don't drive all over town to save a few pennies on sale items or coupons you may have for different stores. Plan ahead.

10. Save money by eating in rather than dining out. Even with coupons, eating at home is cheaper when you follow the other rules of shopping here. Along those lines, skip the trendy coffee shops and brew your own (saves about $80 a month) and don't go to fast food restaurants for lunch. Instead, use your coupons for savings at the grocery store and then continue the savaings and ...brown bag it! Make a chicken dinner and take the family to the park for a different ambiance (or somewhere else you like).

11. Save money every month. How? Take loose change and put it in a jar for example. Want to buy that new blouse or tie. Don't give in to the temptation. Then put what you would have spent on the item into a savngs account. Set an automatic amount every month out of your earnings and put it into a savings account.

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12. Single, married or in a committed relationship, you need to set aside time for a date with your spouse every week if possible. But it doesn't mean you  have to spend a lot of money. You can have a great time without breaking the bank. So, save money even on a date.  

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