My grandmother pulled out a crisp dollar bill from a fat wad of bills, handed it to me then gave me some of her never ending advice, "A fool and his money will soon part so girl hold on to this dollar bill until George Washington smile." Thus , began my entry into the world of money-of course I spent the money faster than a tickle of the nose and a sneeze on the guise I didn't want to see George Washington smile because  the rumor was that he had wooden teeth.

Money is a serious business in good and bad times. Today in the uncertain economic times a good bargain is as good as gold.-no pun intended. Everyone would do well to keep an eye on their money and stretch it a bit.

One of the bargains that recently crossed my eye is SafelinkWireless.com a program administered by Tracfone. If you meet income requirements you'll receive a free cell phone and 68 minutes each month as long as you are eligible.They also have special promotional rates when you purchase additional minutes. Verizon and probably other carriers have Lifeline if you're on a fixed income like unemployment you may get reduced rates.

If you want to save money on food joining cooperative and/or clubs is a good idea. You pay a yearly membership and get great percentages off of food and other merchandise. For instance, I 'm a member of one and I can get 100 teabagsof Bigelow Tea for $8.75 whereas at at a regular supermarket I would pay $16.00. There are many, many bargains at these cooperatives

If you want to save money on food joining cooperatives and/or clubs like BJ's may be useful to your pocketbook. You pay a yearly membership fee and get a nice percentage off your groceries and other things. For instance, I'm a member and I can get a 100 teabags of Bigelow Tea for $8.75 whereas at a regular Supermarket I would pay $16.00. There are many bargains at these cooperatives.

However this shouldn't be a cue to sit down on the job and stop looking for other food bargins because you may still be able to get other ones. In my case I go to different stores for my toiletries, dog food, meats, and fruits and vegetables.

Remember when it comes to bargains it's a local issue, and you should be aware of what's available in your neigborhood, city, town, country and region. There defintely are variations in pricess for food when it comes to geography.

Clothes are another area where there is opportunity to save. One way is to buy clothes at the end of a season when the store is trying to get rid of inventory. Shopping after holidays like christmas and easter for clothes is good for the same reason.

And if you are not gung ho about labels maybe it's time to go to your local wholesaler-one that is opened to the public. Instead of Victoria Secrete on your plate if you're in New York City-go to what I call Wholesaler's Row between 24th and 34th Street on sixth and Broadway avenues where you can buy underwear,socks and other accessories and clothes at bargin basement prices sans the elitest names.

If your want to paint the town red, bend your elbow with a couple of drinks at exclusive places in Gotham and want it at a reduced price go to Groupon.com that have rates which are 30% -70% off regular price. The reductions are based on a group rate.

If that's not enough because you want it all and desire to keep all your money to yourself but want all the goodies go to Freebies.com. It has everything from free ISPs you cans access on your computer to burnless pans; you name it and they can find the place where you can get it presumbly for free.

As the economic situation runs its course holding on to a dollar until George Washington smiles is a good idea -for any currency for that matter. In the case of the dollar my grandmother gave me I held on to it until an orange haired and orange nose clown named Bozo came to town and I spent it taking me and my brother to see him a the local movie house. However all was not lost for I got a return on it-a free admission card for another movie visit. Thus a return is better than nothing