How are you making your dollar stretch?

Make a shopping list and stick to it when you go to the store. And try to go shopping when the kids are at school to make the trip to the store shorter and not spend money on extra goodies.

I've heard that a lot of people are starting to "nest" as a way to save money. Rather than spending money on going out to dinner or going out to the movies, people are finding ways to make staying home more fun. Potluck dinners with friends, Netflix movie nights or making cooking dinner a fun, family activity are the more cost effective fun things I've started to do instead of going out and spending too much money.

Make a budget, right down everything, and try to see where you can "cut" expenses.........borrow books, magazines from the library, plan your meals, weatherize your home to make it more energy efficient. And if there is something you have to have, is it a need or a want? If its a need, can you find it cheaper or put on layaway?

If I eat out, I try to eat a healthy sandwich, which I can split into two meals. My downfall is buying soda through a drive in. Now I carry water in my car. If I get thirsty, its right there.

Shop at the $1 store for non-essentials like candles, thank you cards, birthday balloons, aluminum foil, etc. Why pay Hallmark, Tar-get and supermarket prices when you don't have to do it? For my family, it's all about saving money for the stuff that really matters like our emergency fund, college savings for the kid, etc.

Try taking clothes family members have outgrown to a consignment shop. A Yard sale is also be a way to create extra cash for household itmes, toys, etc. you are no longer using.

Unused household items, along with clothing that family members may have outgrown can be sold at a yard sale to create extra cash. Also consignment shops are a great place to shop for fast growing kids.

I use the grocerygame.com website to shop. When combined with available coupons, I'm saving a lot of money on groceries. BeeHiveBob http://www.intownelite.com/neighborhoods/buckhead-real-estate/brookhaven...

Cutting back on the electric bills. Hanging heavy cloths on a line is as green as it gets!

Keep a running list of things you are looking for and the clothing size, etc. so that if you stop at a yard sale, thrift store, or clearance, you can remember what to check for while you are there. Check with friends on dates of annual church or school rummage sales, where you can find a wide selection in one stop, usually at very low prices; come early for the best stuff and check back again for end of sale markdowns!