Every time you open a paper or turn to the news, the headlines are soaring gas prices,rising food prices,recession in a nut shell the economy seems to be going down hill. Alot of people are feeling the crunch, although some can afford it most of us are looking for ways to trim costs and still have a buck or two for the nest egg. As I am currently trying to keep costs down and save a little I thought I would pass along a few suggestions to help people keep there money problems from overwheming them.Because financial stress can cause medical problems like high blood pressure.

First of all cut up all credit cards except one...keep one for emergencies only.Next look at your reciepts and make a list of your spending habits?Do you really need to eat out 5 nights a week? Do you really need to buy that dvd? Make a list of the money spent that you really could have saved. That expensive coffee, everyday? Try cutting back to every other day.

Gas prices are no joke.....try to do everything in one trip. Like while you are out at the dry cleaners, stop by the grocer, the post office ect. instead of seperate trips.Try carpooling the kids instead of doing it all yourself, try car pooling yourself.

Here is a big money saver...Take your lunch to work. Last nights leftovers can be microwaved at work...Don't like leftovers? Well a turkey sandwich made at home is cheaper than the ones in the deli.

When shopping hit the clearance racks, shop red dot sales, thrift stores, consignment shops(you can find lots of goodies there, some are new with tags still on them). Want to go out but can't afford a sitter? Trade with a friend take turns you will both benefit. Going on vacation? The kennel will cost alot for fido, ask a neighbor to feed and walk him...or tell a friend if they watch yours you will watch theirs when they go out of town.

grocery prices are on the rise...find a good sale buy extra and freeze it. most meats will last 3-6 months frozen. Canned food on sale? Buy extra so on the weeks you are low on cash you can still eat. Freeze bread.

need extra cash? Clean up and box up the items you no longer use and have a yard sale. You can make some cash there. Free time in the morning? walk someones pet.......pet sitters get 10.00 an hour where I am from.one hour a day is 50 bucks for 5 days.

offer to babysit when you are at home save this money for your nest egg or a vacation fund.

Things getting really tough? Get a second job(i know, but it doesn't have to be a life long commitment)But you don.t know how the economy will be 6 months from now, best to save up just in case and cut those expenses that are not neccessary.......If this helps just one person then I am happy......