It is just common sense to be frugal in such times like this.  So here are some tips to make it easier for you.

1.  Start putting together a budget and stick to it.  Once you start writing down your expenses you will start to realize the unnecessary expenses.   You can put together a weekly budget or a monthly budget.

2.  Things to keep in mind while putting together a budget are planned budget and an actual spending column.  Things to include are rent, mortgage, insurance, utilities (trash,water,electric and gas), groceries, food, gas, car maintenance, internet, phone, cable, cell phone, education, household help, transportation, parking, toll, pets, savings, gifts, donations, hobbies, medical, entertainment etc.....

3. Simple things add up, like the coffee shop coffees, scones and sandwiches, buying lunch with a drink.  Try brewing your own coffee at home and at work.   Pack lunch but if you have the urge to buy lunch, skip the drink.  It is usually more expensive than the lunch itself.  Drink water instead.  Its healthy and you save money!

4.  Stop buying bottled water.  Most of them are anyway bottle tap water.  We are fortunate to live in a country where we don't have to worry about water contamination.  So the intelligent thing to do is to drink tap water.  Its perfectly fine.  Calculate the money you spend on bottled water.  You are anyway paying for your water why pay more to buy some in a bottle!

5. Plan you meals for the whole week, make a list accordingly and go to shop.   The meals need not be elaborate.  You can make simple yet tasty dishes for the whole family just by using items which are on sale.  Be innovative.

6. Stick to the list when you go shopping for groceries.  However attractive the sale, contain yourself.  Keep in mind the weekly budget and like they say, 'Don't go shopping on an empty stomach'!  Take wastage into account.  Sometimes the things you buy seeing the 'Buy one get one free' sale may both end up in trash because  you can't finish all of them.   Even if its non perishable items think through before buying.

7. Look for ways to make extra money.  Put together items which are in good condition and have a garage sale or sell them on ebay.  Look for things in the house which might be of high value.  You never know you may have 'Cash in the attic'! Tutoring, coaching classes, job training, fitness classes are some of the ways you can make extra money.

8. Carpooling to work.  By carpooling you can save on gas, parking and toll.

9. Save no matter what.  Even if you live by paycheck to paycheck make sure you save at least a few dollars by cutting corners.