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EIGHT FRUGAL TIPS. Being frugal is relevant, since worries about the economy are all over the news. Living simply is also earth-friendly, and hence, the cool thing to do. For some of us, frugality is a necessity, and here are eight tips for squeezing down the money you spend:

~First, consider monthly expenses.~

The absolutely first place to look for budget flab is within your fixed monthly expenses. Weigh each item: Can you get a cheaper phone plan? Is cable TV really worth all that money? Did you shop around for insurance? Would it be better to move to a new place? Does your pet really need that expensive brand of chow?

~Shrink your utility bill.~

Face it, some of you are coddled. You wear flipflops and hoodies in the winter and only venture beyond the 85 degree warmth of your living room via a warm, remote-started car. Wusses, tough up. How do you suppose that your ancestors survived without central heating? They weren't deluded that 65 degrees is cold. Turn down the heat already, and put on a sweater.

~Shut off electrical devices.~

Where did the whole world get the idea that computers should stay on forever? Doesn't anybody realize that the coal fired plants which produce electricity also cause global warming? Please, shut off lights and electronics you're not using; including those secretly energy-sucking power strips. Schools and colleges: this includes you.

~Cook.~

Crazy thought, but why don't we eat in tonight? Do you like to feel hungry and slightly cheated after paying someone else to fry you something greasy on white bread? Instead, enjoy an all-you-can-eat nutritious home-cooked meal. A delicious stew can feed a family for a couple of bucks. Read recipes to figure out your options. Grab a cookbook or go online at a site like Allrecipes.com

~Go natural at the store.~

Buy the sort of foods that Grandma was familiar with: bread, potatoes, apples, eggs, etc. Go ethnic. Or eat like a pioneer. There's a reason certain foods became prevalent in a culture they were cheap, readily available, and filling. And I'm not talking about "Little Debbies" or frozen pizza. What IS that crust made of, anyhow? Plaster and cardboard? And you know they never pile on the ingredients like in the picture.

~Do it yourself.~

Develop a DIY worth ethic. Why pay someone else to do something you can do yourself? Cut your child's hair. Why throw something out instead of fixing it? Sew on a button. Whatever it is, consider whether you have the time and ability for saving money by doing it yourself.

~Shop bargains.~

Don't fall victim to brand-name snobbery. Buy used, check the clearance racks, and stop at garage sales. Reuse when you can, and donate what you can't use. Anti-consumerist behavior is good for both the planet and your wallet.

~Become more efficient. ~

Consolidate car trips across town. Know what you have in the cupboard before you go shopping. Write that check before you get hit with a late fee. Be aware of the prices of household items you use the most so you can spot a bargain and stock up. Take back those empty bottles and cans. If you carry crap in the house, carry crap out. Becoming more efficient in everything you do will help you save money. Think ahead, and you can do it.

Learn more about this author, Pamela Baum.
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