Frugal Living: 25 Small Ways to Help Lower Your Expenses

The cost of living is rising all over America, and minimum wage unfortunately isn't keeping up. It is tough to survive in today's economy, especially for a single income family in this double income world. Unfortunately, there are some expenses you can avoid without going without. And sometimes, going without isn't as bad as it seems. Learn how and when to go without--and how to save money without neglecting your needs and desires. Here are some tips, in no particular order!

1. Don't buy what you don't need if you don't really have the extra money. That cute sweater on sale may be a steal, but if you've already got enough sweaters, and your account balance is dwindling, you should pass.

2. Don't buy name brand, unless you know the off brand is terrible. Compare the ingredients in the two different brands, as well as the amount in each container. Most of the time, the cheaper brand is the better buy and works just as well.

3. Buy thrift whenever you can. Find out when stores like Goodwill and Arc have their discount sales, and make it a point to go when you need something. Check Freecycle and Craigslist, too, before buying something new.

4. If you have an air conditioner, don't use it unless you must. Dress for the weather even indoors. If it gets so hot you're sweating in your underwear, or so cold that you're shivering in your sweatpants, then turn the air conditioner on.

5. Don't buy expensive things. Have a price limit--for everything. I, for one, never spend more than $10 on a shirt or pair of pants unless we have plenty of extra money (if we've received birthday money, for example). When it comes to meat, a $2 pack of hamburger meat fills my families belly as well as $6 steaks, and a $1 pack of chicken drumsticks is as satisfying as filet mignon. A $10 bag of shrimp is a rare luxury.

6. Collect, sell, trade, and use coupons. It can save you money. But, remember that sometimes the name brand is less expensive even when you have a coupon.