How to save money

1. Turn off the lights when you leave the room and make it a habit.
2. Buy your checks from an online check company or better yet, use Quicken and if your bank has free online check writing services use it. You’ll save 42¢ on a stamp every time you do.
3. Buy generic, even generic pop is as good as name brand.
4. Clip coupons, but only for items you use.
5. Combine trips to save on gas.
6. Cancel your cable.
7. Use an antenna - they are inexpensive or make one there are directions online.  We did and it works great (made out of aluminum foil and cardboard)
8. See if you can take a step down on your cell phone usage plan without a penalty.  This one I know is unpopular.  I personally do not like for others to be able to contact me 24 hours a day.  I travel with a cheap phone that you can purchase a set amount of minutes.  
9. Pay down your higher interest credit cards first.
10. Make your own cleaners from common household items.
11. Keep your tires properly inflated.
12. Buy your books on eBay, Half.com, or amazon.com (check all of them before buying for the best price).  I am going to try my hand at making and selling beaded jewelry and para cord jewelry.  I bought a book online for $.99 plus shipping all for under $5.
13. Check out facebook for flea market or "free" groups in your area where they give away things or sell things for a fraction of their original cost.  Craigslist is also good source of free items.  When doing this be safe check your police department for safe zones to do the transaction.
14. Set a budget for gift giving and stick by it. Make sure that budget is realistic. Do not make a budget higher than what you can afford. Make your gifts. 
15. Reuse and reduce whenever you can.
16. Make your own coffee and take it with you. Don’t spend $2 - $5 on a cup of coffee.
17. Make your own cookies or brownies and take them with you. They sell for $2.00 to $4.00 in a coffee shop.
18. Make your own lunches, bread, or meals they are healthier and save lots of money.
19. Buy in bulk.
20. Buy online, look for companies that ship for free.  Be sure to comparison shop before you click that buy button.
21. Ooma is a great phone service - you buy the Ooma console and connect it to your internet.  The purchase price is about $100 +, but your phone bills are less than $6 a month.