When times are tough, it pays to cut coupons. In good times, people often don't bother with them, but there is a lot of money to be saved by looking for discounts and specials.

http://au.todaytonight.yahoo.com/article/5115306/money/coupons-save-hundreds-week

Don't feel like a cheapskate. It makes sense not to spend more than you have to. Pay more attention to the junk mail that comes through your letterbox, and shop around on line for bargains. A few minutes spent weekly planning ahead can be very rewarding financially.

Working out menus to minimise waste, writing shopping lists to cut down on unnecessary use of your car - these are all small things that add up to big savings. One of the biggest savings you can make is buying "Home Brands" in the supermarket - the same food without the fancy packaging can be half the price of the Named Brand.

If you're in the market for a larger item, repossession outlets are also worth investigating. You can also get good "seconds" - items that are shop soiled or slightly marked. Ask whether you can get a discount for taking the display model. If you're uncomfortable with bargaining, I find this little phrase quite helpful: "can you sharpen the pencil a bit on that?" It's a subtle way of finding out whether there is room for negotiation.

In tough times, cheapskates rule! OK?!