Well 2009 came in bringing a new president, winter storms and last but not least job losses. But, on the bright side things have to get better,right?

Well, creative thinking and a positive attitude can help out alot!!!!! Jobs have laid off and left people in a bind, with families shocked with the lack of income.

To help make the money last here are some tips for cheap meals to feed a crowd.

Soup...vegetable soup and crackers...this will warm you and fill you. canned veggies(store brand) tomatoe juice seasoning(add ground beef for veggie beef)

Chicken pastry and chicken and dumplings(to stretch this shred the chicken that way there will be chicken in every bite but no large pieces the juice and dumplings are cheap enough to make and add corn bread on the side you have a hearty meal!!!!

dried beans...pinto, navy, great northern ect.ect........a pot of these go along way serve with cornbread or hot biscuits.yum

breakfast for a crowd. brown a pan of sausage(like you would brown ground beef for spaghetti) add 6 eggs beaten well, and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cook

 all together until eggs are cooked and cheese melted....serve on a bun or in a biscuit or by itself with a side of grits(if you are from the south) or home fries if you prefer them.

consignment shops hold great deals on clothes, plus you can take yours and get credit for new ones. or shop yard sales and have a yard sale. Thrift stores have great items as well.

some dollar stores have the best deals on cookies,chips and canned food..washing powder. paper towels ect.

entertainment for the family....game night....make your own....... had a blast with a homemade version of jeopardy complete with music!!!!

Coupons can be found in the paper, on the internet, people trade them on craigs list. You can even get coupons for meats like chicken.

books trade them on paperback swap.com and dvd on dvd swap.com

Yes, these are trying times and everyone has got to pinch pennies and cut back but you can be creative and bring the family closer together.

bake brownies and put white dots of frosting on them and a line across the middle like a dominoe...perfect for game night!!!!!

swap dvds and treat the kids to real popcorn(not the microwave stuff) real pop corn is cheaper and fun to watch it pop.

soups, chillis and stews feed the crowds and make you look so good without going broke.

The spring is near and hopefully the economy will shift.