I don't pretend to be a finance expert, business wasn't my degree in college, but then you don't need a business degree to be a savvy consumer. All you need to know are a few tricks and I've learned some nifty ones from my family who are part Scottish, and if you know anything about Scottish people, you know they like to pinch their pennies. Scottish, you see, are the world's tight wads. My family's penny pinching has helped them weather this financial storm pretty well. You're probably wondering, "What are these tips?" and if not, then you already looked at the next paragraph. I hope this helps.

1. Always make sure that your tires of your vehicle are inflated and aligned, your air filter is clean, and you use the manufactures specified oil . If your hot roll down your windows when driving through streets but roll up them up when you're driving on the freeway and use the a/c to decrease drag (another gas guzzler). Another way to decrease drag is to have as little as possible in your car.

3. Drive a car when you're driving long distances and when you need to drive more than one person. Ride a scooter, or better yet, a bicycle (free energy and good workout) when you need to go short distances.

4. Apply for credit cards, including gas credit cards, which give you a rebate on gas. Catcher-you must pay it off before the rate increases so don't get one if you can't afford to pay it off in six months to a year. However, you can save up to 5% on all gas purchases this way.

5. Buy your fruits and vegetables at farmer's markets. Also inquire about sales days. Farmer's markets usually set aside a day for sales.

6. Check out Longs Rebate catalogue and Walgreens EasySaver catalogue programs. Buy items listed in their catalogues and you'll receive rebate money back plus extra items. Also, did you know Rite-Aide refills Dell ink cartridges for $10.

7. Check out the bargain racks in places like Old Navy, Macy's, Robinson's May, Sears, JcPenney's etc. Sometimes you can find cheaper sales there than at Target.

8. Always sign up for a rewards program because they'll deduct a certain percentage from your shopping list.

Well, other than hiring illegals to do yard work (I'm joking-I'd never hire illegals) that's all I can think of right now.