There are always tips that you may have overlooked, even if you are already quite frugal. These 10 money saving tips may just give you a few ideas you had not previously considered:

1. Share a room. For most Americans, the number one expense is the cost of housing. If you are single and have a two bedroom apartment, you can bring in a roommate to split the rent. If you have extra rooms in the home you own, you could also rent that out to assist with making your mortgage payment. Sharing rooms will also have the added benefit of allowing you to share the cost of utilities.

2. Share a car/carpool. If you have two cars right now, find a way to manage with just one car. Make arrangements to carpool to work, or take public transportation. You can sell the car for some cash on hand, and will also save on insurance, maintentance, and fuel expenses.

3. Quit smoking. Although there are many reasons to quit smoking, especially due to the health risk it poses, that may not have been enough to motivate you. However, smoking costs you money that you are literally burning away. Many smokers are paying in excess of $150 each month to maintain their habit. That is a lot of money.

4. Avoid sales. It’s easy to be lured in by all the supposed savings of department store sales, but if you don’t need it now, keep the money for yourself. Remember, that savings of $60 is really an expenditure of $20.

5. Don’t finance purchases. Although offers to buy it now, and have two years to pay may seem like a good deal, you can be saddled with massively high interest rates when the time comes. Make sure you have the money on hand to pay cash for big purchases.

6. Cut your electric usage. It can be surprising how much electricity you are needlessly using. Turn off the lights whenever possible. Stop leaving the computer on when it is not being used. Leave the TV off as much as possible.

7. Unplug your life. You will save the cost of paying for Internet service, cable television, and be forced to find better things to do. You can always keep up with email from the public library, and spend the rest of your free time doing something better for you, like taking a walk, cleaning up the house, or reading a book.

8. Cancel the gym membership. You can get by for you workout needs by using elastic bands for resistance training. Walk or jog for more aerobic training. There’s no need to pay all that money to exercise.

9. Compare your expenses. You can think of various alternatives, and chart out the costs incurred for each one. For example, make a list of how much it will cost to take the bus, versus driving. Be sure to think of all costs incurred, such as fare, fuel, parking, insurance. Choose the alternative that is least expensive.

10. Track your expenditures. By using an expense tracking software program, or even a simple spreadsheet, you will be able to visually see where money is being spent. This will help you to spot areas that maybe you are spending more than necessary.

If you start with these money saving tips, you will be able to find new ways to save money. If you make it a priority to stay true to keeping expenses low, you will find yourself weathering the recession just fine.

You may or may not know it, but more and more kids these days are oblivious to the global economic dilemma we’re going through and are spending their money, or rather their parents money, on useless and expensive junk. There’s an increasing number of kids out there who are falling for marketing tactics designed especially for the youth, who seem to be more gullible when it comes to buying stuff.

You can stop excessive shopping and save you, your kids, and your whole family from a lifetime of debt and a house full of useless garbage by teaching them how to handle money more responsibly. If you don’t know what you’re doing, fret no more, because here are a few useful tips to get you started on your lessons on saving.

If your kids feel like they need an allowance increase, instead of giving them the extra cash outright, why don’t you suggest a job for them. Having a job teaches discipline and responsibility. And if they’re differently inclined, try to tell them to open up a business of their own, perhaps in North Dakota craft shows where they can sell the products of their hobbies. Children are more likely to value money that they worked hard for, so show them how to.

Open up a savings account for them. You can discuss opening up a savings account at a local bank and talk to them about how banks work. Make sure to point out the advantages of having a secure and safe bank account so they can save some of their money for future use. Point out how saving is also very useful in a pinch and how they could buy bigger and better things in the future if they save today.

Teach them how to budget. The best way to show them how to set aside proper amounts of money on different aspects of their living is a great way to teach them to plan ahead. It makes them more responsible and it also lets them be prepared for anything that might happen in the future.

However old your child is, so long as he knows that money means stuff and more money means more stuff, it’s always best to teach them how to spend it wisely. You’ll be surprised at how much difference it could make if you think about it.

Below is the continuation of the grocery shopping savings tip list – #13 – 24.  Happy shopping!

Tip # 13 – Many people do not realize this (and the stores probably don’t want everyone to know) but when a product is on sale, let’s say for example “buy 4 for $10.00,” you can almost always purchase just one of the items for the sale price (which in this case would be $2.50). In other words, you do NOT have to purchase 4 items to get the sale price! (However, if it’s an item you use regularly it’s a good idea to go ahead and purchase more than one, as long as you have the money to spare AND the room to store the extra items.)

Tip # 14 – This may be a surprise to you but grocery clerks do not always know their own store’s coupon guidelines! Recently, I had some special store coupons I wanted to use with matching manufacturer’s coupons. Since I am fairly new to this store I stopped by the customer service desk first to make sure it was okay to do this. With no employees attending the desk, a cashier happened to be walking by and asked if I needed assistance. I asked her about the coupons and she said “No, you can only use one coupon per item!” Later, as another cashier was ringing up my groceries I mentioned it to her and told her I thought it was okay to use a store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon, and she said “Yes, it is!” And I would say in MOST cases it’s going to be okay… a store coupon is not the same as a manufacturer’s coupon, it’s really just their own sale price! However, if you want to make sure your store will honor both coupons at the same time before you try it, just be sure you speak directly to the manager!

Tip # 15 – Grocery stores must be REALLY working hard to compete with the discount store prices, or vice versa, and I’m impressed. They’ve fooled me a few times with this smart marketing tactic but I’ve decided to consider it a learning experience so there’s no hard feelings, at least on my end. So anyhow, here’s the scoop… let’s say a certain product at the discount store costs $3.97. You know the price well because after all, you’re a bargain shopper! But when you happen to be at another store (which shall remain nameless) and you see the same product (with the same brand name, same color, same approximate size, same flavor, scent, or whatever!) and the SAME PRICE, you go ahead and purchase such product because after all, they are the same! However, upon returning home and placing the new product beside the old product (which is waiting to be recycled) you discover that it was all a hoax! As it turns out, everything about the product is indeed the same, except the size and weight! They just made it appear to be the same product by pricing it exactly the same as the larger size that is available at the discount store!

Tip # 16 – If you have time (or even if you don’t) you can also create a price log in a small notebook to record the best price of your favorite products at each store, that way you’ll always know if you’re getting the same size or not!

Tip # 17 – We often receive letters reminding us that stores like Wal-mart not only do they take coupons but they also offer price matching as well. Some of our readers even make a habit each week of taking all their sale flyers to a particular store and asking for the price matches, but with the full load of groceries we buy for a family of 6 I think the cashiers would faint if I handed them a stack of store ads to match up! However, although I do not do this each week, I have price matched and it really does work. It’s also a fantastic service to loyal customers that all stores should offer and can be a real gas saver too, especially if all of the stores are not close to your home.

Tip # 18 – Our local grocery stores annually run a food drive for our community food bank, it’s a great opportunity to help those who are really in need. Just with a few extra dollars each week (if you can afford it) you can provide several days worth of meals for a family who might otherwise do without. If your grocery store doesn’t run food drives you can simply buy a few non-perishable items (canned meat–like tuna or chicken when it’s on sale, beans, rice, pasta, and canned vegetables) and deliver them to your local food bank yourself. Being the savvy grocery shoppers that we are… when we find a really great deal we could probably stock them up!

Tip # 19 – One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to keep wasted food to a minimum. Use up leftovers quickly (keep a list on the fridge if necessary so you remember what’s inside) or freeze them for later use. If you’re cooking for just one or two, freeze leftovers in single-size portions, they’ll make quick and easy dinners on nights when you’re too busy or too tired to cook. Over the years, I’ve learned that using clear see-through storage containers for leftovers and keeping them on a special self in the fridge works best for our family. You can also keep items that the children might like (especially healthy after-school snacks like fruit, yogurt and cheese), on a lower shelf so they can reach them easily.

Tip # 20 – When items are on a buy-2 for one-price sale, such as 2 boxes of cereal for $4.00, it is usually not necessary to buy two to get the sale price. If you use the item regularly and will need to buy more before they go on sale again (possibly in just a few weeks) go ahead and buy as many as you need. But if you only need one, then just buy one. The money you save by not purchasing that second item (just because it’s on sale) may be needed for something else that you might need more, such as milk, bread, produce, chicken, fish or meat.

Tip # 21 – If you’re able to use coupons the same rule applies; sometimes it’s better to just buy one sale item instead of the two or more the store is hoping you’ll pick up. And if you have two coupons it’s okay to use both on a buy-2 for one-price sale, because you are purchasing two items! It might even be worth purchasing an extra Sunday newspaper to get a duplicate set of coupons; if a certain week has a lot of great coupons for products that you use often!

Tip # 22 – And speaking of coupons, double coupon offers are great but in our local area we currently have only one store that offers double coupons–and only up to 65 cents–and, they are also one of the more expensive grocery stores. The double coupons are nice, but then when you buy grocery items that generally do not have coupons (such as milk, bread, meat, produce, etc…) you will more than pay for that double coupon savings. So, if your “double coupon” store is similar to ours (i.e. on the high-end) use the coupons on their sale items when you have time and purchase everything else at a lower priced store of your choice.

Tip # 23 – When grocery stores have a Grand Opening for a new location be sure to stop by and pick up their big sale items. They usually have some really LOW, LOW, prices during the first week, or even the first month. Also, register for prizes if they’re being offered… I rarely ever win anything but I won $100 when my favorite store, Food Lion, opened up a new store! And with a family of 6 that was certainly a welcomed gift!!! )

Tip # 24 – If you need a quick dinner for your family try your local grocery store for some great food instead of going to a restaurant. You’ll save a ton of money (especially if you have a large family like we do) and probably calories too! Some quick ideas we’ve come up with include homemade deli sandwiches, spaghetti or other quick pasta dishes with your favorite jar of sauce, premade hamburger patties, and even broiled fish. You can literally make a quick trip to the store, pick up these items and have them on the table in less time than it takes to drive to a restaurant, order your food, wait for the food, eat the food, and then pay for the food (saving time and money!)

But there are some simple ways to save money while grocery shopping. There are 24 in all, but I’ll offer the first twelve today and the balance will be published on Monday.

Best of luck and happy shopping!

Tip #1 – Do not, I repeat, DO NOT shop without a list for exactly what you need! Then do your best to stick to it and get out as quickly as you can!

Tip #2 – As you go through the store pay attention to the helpful aisle banners above each row… avoid any row that doesn’t have something on your list!

Tip #3 – This should really be RULE #1, do not shop while you’re hungry! As a busy person, its easy make this mistake! It’s just not good for the waist line (because you’ll buy foods you shouldn’t!), or the family budget. So don’t do it!

Tip #4 – Avoid last minute impulse purchases at the checkout for things like magazines and candy bars, and whatever else they’re trying to sell you… including nail clippers, camera film and batteries. Unless they’re on sale, you’ll always do better at the discount stores for those items!

Tip #5 – And if you have a magazine you tend to keep picking up each month (while you’re at the GROCERY story), just subscribe to the darn thing and save yourself $20! (Try to limit yourself to just one or two subscriptions per year.)

Tip #6 – Do NOT be brand loyal, and try to buy only what’s on sale. Sometimes a name brand can even be on sale for the same price as the store brand, or less… so read those price labels!

Tip #7 – Bigger does not always equal better! Be careful of big “value size” packages. Maybe it’s because of sale items, but I often find that a smaller size product can be more cost effective than the larger size of the same product. Sometimes they are packaged for price value, but often they are simply packaged only for convenience. The store manufacturers must be thinking we’d rather save a trip to the store than save money… WRONG!!

Tip #8 – There is no need to make a special trip (especially with gas prices being so high), but as you’re shopping around town pay attention to the prices of items you buy on a regular basis. Do this everywhere you go! You’ll be amazed at the different prices you see.

Tip #9 – Make a note! If you’re a busy working mom, and don’t have time to keep a price log, then make a mental note of items that are much cheaper at particular stores. It’s become such a habit that when we run out of something I know exactly which store I need to purchase it at for the best price. That is of course, if it’s not on sale somewhere else!

Tip #10 – Grocery stores are becoming harder and harder to get out of quickly. With the addition of greeting cards, books, hardware, pet supplies and even fancy gifts to purchase! This tip goes along with my Tip #1 – shopping with a list and getting out quickly. If you KNOW before you even get there, that every non-food item the grocery store has can be purchased much cheaper elsewhere, then don’t even look at those items! Just shop for the foods that are on your list and then get out!!! (Of course stopping at the checkout to pay for your groceries first!

Tip #11 – Many people have their lists planned down to the ounce, but they often put little extras in the cart as they shop. Big no no! To avoid buying things that are not necessities, always stop and survey your cart before proceeding to the check out. Does your family really need chips and pretzels this week? Three types of candy? Try to allow a treat or two every time you go to the grocery, but don’t get carried away if things are on sale. By reviewing what is in your cart before you get to the check out, you can easily eliminate items that are ‘wants’ rather than ‘needs.’ (As a courtesy, please return items to their proper place in the store.) This tip would probably help beginners rather than the experienced grocery budgeter, but it will save everybody a lot!

Tip #12 – Be careful when shopping at grocery stores that require a membership card to get items for their special ‘SALE’ price, which is just about most of them these days. Look out and ask the cashier to refigure your bill if your card didn’t go through and they charge you full price for everything! And yes, it is inconvenient to ask for the refunds and wait for the total to be figured. Don’t be afraid to ask the clerk to check the receipt because you saw an item wring up at full price. When you get home, and put the groceries away, take another look at the receipt. I you see an error, go back to the store and get a refund. Try and to never leave a particular grocery store without checking the receipt first, but better late than never.