The economy is taking its toll on everyone and inflation is making everything more expensive. Your paycheck doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. You really want to come to conference in January 2010, but aren’t sure you can afford it. Here are a few tips that might help.

Have kids?

Buy your child’s current size and the next size when clothes are on sale. You will save money.

Have a garage/yard sale.

Double bonus, make cash, clear clutter.

Attach lower-flow faucet aerators.

They're inexpensive and can save money on your water bill.

Buy white eggs instead of brown.

The nutrition value is comparable and they cost less.

Skip the organics for some products.

Eggs - egg-laying hens aren't given hormones. Grains, breads, and pastas have little pesticide residue. Save your organic money for produce.

Go generic or store brand

Only buy the name brand if you have a coupon that reduces the price to the store brand price.

Coupon Exchange

Check the Internet, there are several good coupon exchanges.

Use coupons.

The Sunday paper costs between $1.00 - $2.00 most places. The coupon savings more than cover the price. The sale ads are also in the Sunday paper allowing you to check sales.

Shop with a list and stick to it. Don’t shop when you are hungry.

You will spend less and avoid impulse buys.

Leave your kids at home when you shop.

You spend less without the "I want it."

Make a weekly menu

Look in your freezer and cupboards. Make a menu based on what you have on hand, and then make a grocery list for items needed. Try to grocery shop once per week. Milk, bread and most produce will last a week.

Calculate whether you should work or stay at home.

Tabulate the real costs of being a two-income family. Does your childcare, extra gas and additional expenses equal the second paycheck?

Bring a lunch or snacks to work and on family outings

You will save money and it is healthier.

Save money on laundry

Set the temp on cold or warm instead of hot. Use the "quick cycle" setting if doing a small load. Make sure to empty the dryer lint trap after each load and check the vents occasionally to make sure they are not blocked.

Freecycle

Join your local Freecycle group. Use it to give away things you no longer need and find free stuff you can use.

Have any additional hints? Please email them to delanek@health.co.santa-cruz.ca.us and they might be featured in a future newsletter.