High gas prices, plummeting real estate values, the credit crisis....By now, it's pretty clear that there is an economic storm coming and we need to prepare by getting back to basics. No, that doesn't mean living like a pauper and taping up your shoes, and eating marcaroni and cheese all the time. No, this isn't doomspeak and gloom and doom etc. I'm talking about spending within your means, getting out of debt and stopping the compulsive spending binge that we, as a country, have been on for the last six years or so. We need to ditch the fancy gas guzzling cars, stop spending on the super size meals (your heart will thank you) and quit buying STUFF WE DON'T NEED!

This entails spending less and living a frugal life style that is within one's means. It doesn't mean the end of the world, and it doesn't mean that you have to lead a morbid lifestyle! Quite the contrary, shedding the need for material things may actually lead to greater contentment in life! Think about it, we spend so much time in the rat race, to make more money (or in some cases BORROW more money) to buy more things. However, things don't necessarily make one a happier person.

Here are some simple tips to live a more frugal lifestyle and save money:

1) Be a conservative driver and save gas. Don't punch the accelerator and waste gas! Those folks that "punch it" when the light turns green are wasting alot of gas. Don't be foolish. Gradual acceleration is much more efficient and will save gas. You'll also save on engine wear too, which will keep future maintenance costs at a minimum. For more gas saving tips visit this Hubpage: Save Gas!

2) Ditch the daily latte and cut back on going out for lunch. Instead, make coffee at home or at the office and save $5/day or $100/month or more! Also, by making your lunch at home you can save $5 - $10/day. I like to make a large dinner, then refrigerate the leftovers, which I can eat the next day. If you need great ideas for meals that will save you money and still taste great: Click Here!

3) Pay bills on time and avoid paying late fees! This is an obvious one, but an easy one to forget. Organize your bills and write the amount and due date for each one on a calendar so that you will NOT forget the due dates! That way you'll avoid the outrageous late fees. Take some time and organize your bills and do this! That way, when life gets busy you can look at the calendar, see the due date and pay on time. This makes a big difference because you can see the whole month laid out and make adjustments accordingly.

4) Avoid impulse buying. The next time you get the urge, ask yourself "Do I really need this?". If not, then don't buy it. Of course, if it is a necessity then by all means buy it, but if not, then save your money. Think it through, and avoid impulse buying.