Perhaps you’ve just spent $6.00 to see the matinee of “Confessions of a Shopaholic” and you’re inspired to pay off your own debt and save. Wouldn’t it be nice if our greatest financial sacrifice was discontinuing the purchase of Prada boots. Keep in mind, spending is about prioritizing. It’s still important to experience small joys and splurges now and then. This may be the first article you’ve read that doesn’t tell you to give up lattes altogether and make your own coffee. Make it a special treat once a week instead of once a day.

Following are a list of tips from someone who was frugal before the this most recent blip in the economy:

1. Use the library to access free books and DVD’s.
2. Shop at the dollar store for basic items and kid’s gifts.
3. Live without Direct TV.
4. Check Craigslist FREE, FOR SALE & GARAGE SALE SECTIONS for deals.
5. If you’ve moved and need furniture, have a housewarming party and ask invitees to bring any used items they are getting rid of that might help you furnish your place.  In exchange, provide snacks and 2 buck chuck (Trader Joe’s $2 wine) for all.
6. Having a baby? Email all your friends with the list of stuff you need. Babies grow quickly and people love to unload the stuff they’ll never use again, you can offer to pay a small fee and pick up stuff immediately.
7. Barter! I’ve exchanged personal assistant services in exchange for furniture and given free writing services for referrals.
8. See matinee movies. The first show of the day is usually cheapest.
9. Buy and sell books at a book resale shop.
10. Consign your wedding dress, furniture or clothing for profit.
11. Have a garage sale or sell your stuff on eBay or Craigslist.
12. Research local grocery stores to find the cheapest prices.  Shop at that store and use coupons if you can find them for products you actually need.
13. Buy a used car. Shop around and know that dealers offer the cheapest prices around New Year’s when they must clear out their inventory.
14. Requests giftcards for your birthday and Christmas gifts.  It’s an opportunity to acquire something you need without your own cash.
15. Do a clothing “exchange” with one or more friends. Clean out your closet and get together with friends to exchange clothes and acquire a new wardrobe for free.
16. If you have a cause that you’d like to contribute to but can’t afford to write a check, volunteer or organize a fundraiser for a local nonprofit.
17. Save money on pictures by ordering prints of digital photos at sites like Snapfish.com or Shutterfly.com
18. Order cards, business cards (free) or other business stationary at vistaprint.com.  They have constant promotions and cheap products.
19. Build your own website with a site like Yahoo Small Business.  For about $11 a month you will have a professional site created quickly and easily with their templates.
20. Advertise just about anything for free on Craigslist, just be aware of phishing scams. Also, you can promote just about anything on social networking sites like Myspace and Facebook, take advantage of all the friends from High School that you’ve reconnected with.
21. Make lists for shopping of any kind, so your trips will be focussed and you’ll avoid impulse buys.
22. Use $1 video kiosk or Netflix 1 at a time membership and download tons of movies to your computer.
23. Share music with friends, exchange mixes instead of purchasing music. Or use Itunes or local radio websites and stream radio stations for free.
24. Make cleaning eco-friendly and economical. Use vinegar and water for surface cleaning and baking soda for tubs and showers.
25. Buy candy after holidays like Valentine’s Day and get up to 75% off.
26. When dining out use online or by mail coupons and take advantage of happy hours that often include half price food and or discounted drinks.
27. Cancel the gym membership and walk, bike, use exercise videos, or indoor exercise equipment. You’ll save on the membership and the gas you use to drive there.
28. When you travel, check out packages and price airfare daily as it sometimes changes daily. Try to fly out/in Monday-Thursday with a Saturday over-night for cheapest fares. Use AAA or frequent flyer cards for hotel discounts.
29. Cut your own hair; ask a friend or partner to supervise or look over the back to make sure you are able to go public with the new do.
30. Wear your clothes, except under things more than once to cut down on laundry costs.
31. Unplug appliances and turn off lights to reduce your energy bill.
32. Getting married? become the planner, cut the guest list to under 50, make favors, centerpieces and have it during the week instead of the weekend for huge savings.  You can also find wedding dresses used or may rent one for a significant discount.
33. Wash your own car.
34. Bring your lunch to work a few days a week.
35. Suggest social alternatives to friends and family.  Host a potluck instead of going out for dinner at an expensive restaraunt.
36. If you need to host a cheap gathering and can’t make the food from scratch, Little Caesar’s has $5 large pizzas.
37. Clear the clutter and donate what you don’t need and can’t sell. This improves the flow and makes room for new things that you need to come your way.
38. Say yes to all events where you’ll get a free meal (like weddings, parties, etc) but never show up empty handed. Bring a cheap bottle of wine or some $3 break and bake cookies.
39. Have a picnic date instead of eating out.
40. Try to budget $5 a week for frivolous spending on anything you want.
41. Open a savings account and set up an automatic transfer each month so you never see the money in your checking account and it builds over time.
42. If you must use a credit card, use one with a low APR, pay it off monthly, make sure there is no yearly fee and that it is a card that gives you “rewards” of some kind.
43. Pay off a little extra each month on credit cards with the highest balance.
44. Reduce the amount of meat in your diet and save a bundle.
45. Instead of renting or going to a movie invite friends over for a weekly reality show like the “Bachelor” and share cheap snacks and snide comments.