How much do you want to save? Think big. Could you refinance your home mortgage at a lower interest rate and save thousands in long term costs? Could you shorten the loan time from 25 years to 20? Check out what you can save by refinancing at http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools /cutmortgage/cutmortgage.html.

[Beware of new bank-sponsored "equity enhancement programs" which charge fees for sign-up and monthly participation. You can do better by making one extra payment a year yourself.]

How much credit card debt do you have? Let's compare 3 minimum payment plans and look at the interest paid. Debt = $1000 at 18% interest: pay $25/month; payoff will take 9 years, 5 months; interest = $925. Same debt paid off at $50/month: payoff will take 5 years, 10 months; interest = $360. Same debt paid off at $100/month: payoff will take 3 years, 9 months; interest = $164.

Was your initial purchase worth it? You might already be considering replacing the item. Can you afford to pay off the debt even quicker? If you can, you'll save money that can be used on other things in the meantime. Check out how much you can save by paying off credit card debt more quickly at http://www.zilchworks.com/card calc/default.asp.

Credit cards are simply loans with high interest rates that suck you down into a whirlpool of debt. Pay them off and get rid of them. If you pay by cash or check, you will decide, at that moment, if you can afford the item and if it's worthwhile. Delayed debt often causes regret.

Food is a big item in most budgets and it sometimes gets short-changed if money is tight. Of course, you're going to use coupons if you're not a working mom and the cost in time is worth the savings. Keep an eye on 3 or 4 local grocery stores for sales so you can stock up with non-perishables.

How about joining a co-op (or start your own group) that buys in bulk and divides up perishables? Can you make a small garden of fresh foods for your family? Vegetable gardening can be a profitable hobby and provide good exercise.

If you have a large family, consider investing in a small (used?) freezer and/or a second small refrigerator. Stock up on meats, breads, and frozen foods when they're on sale.

Consider joining a wholesale store like Sam's Club if the $35 annual fee seems worthwhile to you. You can also purchase bulk quantities of paper goods, office supplies, dog food, laundry products, personal items, computer and printer supplies, blankets and sheet sets, household

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