Some money saving tips:

 With the world economy in the tank finances have been on everyone's mind. Here are a few money saving tips from someone who has learned.

1. If you use cash, save your spare change in a special jar at home. You would be surprised how little pennies add up.

2. Buy store brand and generics. Now there are some food items and products that I am not willing to skimp on, but my family and I have found that store brand products are often just as good if not better then name brands. For instance, we have used the "cheap" Wal-mart brand diapers for both our boys. After using Huggies, Pampers, and Luvs, we found the White Cloud brand (the Wal-mart brand), was the only brand our boys didn't leak in.

3. If you have a wholesaler store in your area, get a membership. Places like Sam's, Costco, and BJs, can save you tons of money on gas, food, and other items. These are especially helpful for those with their own businesses. My husband and I saved over $300 on our sons mattresses by purchasing a $40 yearly membership with Sam's. And of course we continued to use our membership for lots of other stuff.

4. Shop around! I've found that even discount places cannot always be counted on. For instance, people were always recommending me go to children's thrift stores for the boys clothes, but I found a lot of the prices in those places were more expensive then some of the stores I shopped for brand new clothes. I often shop places like Ross and Marshall's for the boys clothes and shoes. They are stores that sell "out-of-season" clothes and household items at extremely discounted prices. 

5. Shopping around doesn't just go for clothes and big priced items, it goes for food as well. Look through free ads you get in the mail from local stores. Check for sales on things you normally buy. Cut out coupons. 

6. Don't buy something just because it's on sale or you have a coupon. Stick to your list of things that you need or normally buy. The odd experiment is allowed, but don't make a habit of it if you're on a budget, or else you might end up with a pantry full of food you got real cheap but no one is eating.

7. Walk when you can. 

8. If you have to drive try to plan out your trips. Try to go to places in the same area at the same time, so you don't end up making multiple trips.

9. Buy gas (or petrol) at cooler times of day. You get more bang for your buck, you get less when you pump during the hot times.

10. If you do find yourself in a position where you need to or really want to eat out as a family, get something like a pizza or chicken meal that you can store leftovers if need be. We often made 2 or 3 meals out of a splurge.

11. Finally, make a budget! A budget will help guide you and help you make better decisions.