In these trying economic times we need to tighten our belts. So here are some suggestions:

. Eat in. And cook ahead using a crock pot. Compared to ovens, crock pots use little electricity.
. Reserve Starbucks for special occasions. The rest of the time, make your own coffee.
. Pack a sack lunch. Throw in an apple a day and you’ll keep your doc happy at the same time.
. Before grocery shopping, make a list and eat a meal. Remember what your mama told you—shopping on an empty stomach means everything looks more appealing.
. Pay off debt ASAP. If you get a tax refund, make a donation to a local food kitchen and use the rest to make an extra payment on your mortgage principal. Okay, spend a little on yourself, too--catch a matinee.
. Borrow books and videos from the library. This semester I got some books through interlibrary loan when my own library didn’t have them. I saved about $65.

When I ran a blog post in this subject four months ago, here’s what you all suggested:

. Use cash. (Those who use credit cards instead of cash spend 30% more.) When you see what you're spending, you are more intentional.
. Simplify birthdays. Kids don't need parties that cost hundreds of dollars. Cake at home and backyard games are so much fun!
. Invite friends over. Hosting is a more affordable option than eating out.
. Walk your child to school. You save gas, the environment, and your gym fee.
. Find a bakery thrift store.
. Start a food swap. "My sister and I have been part of one for years and it saves us so much money. At the beginning of the week four women cook a meal (just the main part). We quadruple it, separate it into Gladware dishes, and then we all swap. I cook one time (which = more time to do other things), get to buy in bulk, and end up with four different meals—some of which I never would have thought of myself. We love it!"
. "We're keeping our heat turned down a bit lower and heating the areas we're actually in, rather than the entire house—which means wearing sweaters and warm socks, wrapping in blankets or robes during the day, bundling up at bedtime, and drinking hot tea to warm up. It's a lot cheaper than cranking the heater up to warm 85% of the home we are not using."

Even while cutting back in these dismal times, be sure to keep art, beauty, and generosity in your life. Frequent museums and play background music when at home. When you see flowers on sale, buy a bouquet to beautify your kitchen. And bear in mind that many non-profit organizations serving a growing number of homeless folks really need your help. So give liberally. Be frugal with yourself, generous with those in need.