This first tip is the hardest, but the most useful: Determine where you are spending your money! Write down every dollar… EVERY DOLLAR! This is the best and hardest tip… Most people don’t do it - so don’t think… get a notebook and JUST DO IT!

Once you’ve done this for at least a week (4 is better), start taking off the things that you can buy in bulk… like coffee, sodas or snacks. By buying these items in bulk and taking them with you you’ll save much more than you think.

Movie Renting: Instead of buying or renting movies, did you know that most libraries let you check movies out for free? If that’s not convenient have you tried Netflix - They have plans for about $8.95 month that let you get 1 DVD at-a-time PLUS watch an UNLIMITED number of movies and TV shows (from a list of 10,000, on your computer through your broadband connection (A Windows computer with Service-Pack-2 and media player 11 is required). Since most laptops can be connected to a tv with an svideo cable, you can enjoy several movies or TV shows every night PLUS 1 movie about every other day for just $8.95 per month! (this is a great value, especially if you need to keep kids entertained)… There are other plans of course.

Heating and cooling:

When you leave the house, set your thermostat to an “away” setting (But not so far from comfortable that it takes an inordinate amount of time to return to comfort though). Get ceiling fans – for as little as $20 - these dramatically reduce heating and cooling costs by circulating air.

Electricity:

Switch your lights to fluorescents. Here in california 99c Only stores have 4 fluorescent bulbs for just 99 cents! TVs, stereos and devices that have power supplies waste electricity even when the item is off! Plug these into a power bar so that you can easily switched them off when not in use… (See below for my pics  ).

Water: When you save water, you save more than just money… In some areas (like in California) we must conserve! Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth. Get a low-flow shower head (one with a  chlorine filter!). You can also Learn to take quicker showers (an egg timer can help!). Repair leaky faucets etc. Reduce lawn watering to minimum. Buy water friendly plants.

Gas and Miscellaneous: Reduce the temperature of your water heater… a couple of degrees; the less work your water heater does the more money you’ll save. Use the microwave instead of the oven whenever possible. Open the windows when it’s nice outside to reduce heating (and cooling) costs.

Cable/Satelite and Telephone: Do you subscribe to cable or satellite? Do you really, need all those premium channels? You can save the full $100+ on your cable bill every month by watching FREE HDTV with an HD converter box and antenna, or get a Netflix account! Do you need really need a home phone?  Could you get by with a cell phone.

Eating Out And Entertainment: It’s astounding how many people complain about money then describe the great new restaurant they’ve discovered - Or the latest movie release they just saw.! Plus, if you buy theater popcorn and candy… you’re NUTS!. Also, professional sporting events, concerts or tickets to a play can run hundreds of dollars!

Wine and Travel: can you really tell the difference (blindfolded) between a $30 bottle of wine and a $9 bottle of wine? When you do dine out, look at the prices on the menu first. Consider a meal share if the restaurant offers that option. Look for vacation bargains – consider taking the kids camping instead of a super expensive amusement parks.

Grocery Shopping and Coupons: A $1.99 can of corn is the same as a 63 cent can of corn (it’s probably made in the same place!). Look for foods that are marked “WIC” (Women, Infants and Children program). Make dining-in an experience instead of just a convenience. Consider taking your lunch to work – do the math. Coupons for name brands items can still be more expensive than generic brands! Make sure the coupons are for items you would normally buy anyway. Also check store specials and use loyalty cards when possible (even if you don’t give your real name to get them!) Look into joining a warehouse club. The price of the membership is usually made up in one shopping trip. They carry name-brand products and will take coupons. Also, by not having to shop as often, you spend less money on gas. Avoid large packages of fresh produce to avoid spoilage; frozen produce will last longer. Buy local fruits and vegetables (from farmers markets!).

Insurance: The fastest way for some people to reduce monthly expenses will be in the area of health, auto and life insurance. Companies that sell those are incredibly competitive. Get some online bids from different companies.

Consider pre-owned items: We live in a throw-away consumption society. Many people want the latest and newest thing… and donate or sell perfectly good items. This is a great way to save significant amounts of money while recycling! For instance, many people are upgrading to plasma or LED TV’s… and are donating perfectly good 32″ and even 36″ tube type TV’s (almost FREE: $100!). Visit garage sales - and hold your own… Apart from Ebay, great bargain sites are Craigslist.org, Overstock.com.

Actively manage your credit: A poor credit score costs tens of thousands over the years in increased interest rates and insurance costs. You may even lose your job or be denied a job because of you credit history. Pull all three reports online: challenge everything that appears incorrect. Pay all bills on time (automatically by computer if possible). Pay off revolving debt (credit cards) and keep the lowest interest card (just 1 card with you) - make sure you pay-off that card off each month!

Add insulation: Seal-up your doors and windows! Add insulation. If you’re handy, change to double-paign windows.

Consider investing in reusable items. New types of rechargeable batteries (NiMh) are a much better option if your battery consumption is high.

Quit smoking. OK, this is obvious. Aside from the $150 a month (on average) there are the enormous added costs to your health and life (and possibly auto and home) insurance and a very strong (almost guaranteed) potential for extraordinary health costs.

Limit alcohol. Alcohol is an added expense you may be able to eliminate altogether, or at least significantly reduce… 1 margarita has between 300 to 500 calories!

Stop gambling. The odds against winning the Power-ball lottery are around 150 million to 1 against you. Did you know that it is more likely that you’ll be hit by lightning 10 times before you’ll win the lottery! So, unless you’ve been hit by lightly 10 times already… DON’T PLAY!

Grow a garden. Organic foods are all the rage - and they’re terribly expensive! Even a small plot can yield significant amounts of fresh food. Share with neighbors and create a neighborhood co-op.

Don’t go completely overboard. It’s great to be frugal; it’s not great to be a mean-spirited miser. If your child needs a new pair of shoes or new glasses then get them… look for bargains but keep your priorities straight!

I’m sure I missed many things - Please add them in the comments below…