Okay, let's be real. Most of the frugal ideas out there are pretty lame but I stumbled across a few that I actually like -- that might actually help you save. Here are a few - let me know if you like them or if they work for you:
Dust off the library card: Seriously, the library is free (unless you return stuff late). They have great things! Books, DVD's, books on tape, magazines, newspapers. Avoid those movie rental fees and trips to the theater. Brush up on the old clasics. Read a book that makes you smile, laugh -- feel good!
Measure your "dollops": You don't need that much product so take it easy with things like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer (especially if it's the expensive kind) and sunscreen.
Negotiate Fees with Health-Care Providers: Did you even know this is possible? For example, if you can - offer pay cash up front. Experts say you can save 10-30% off your bill. It's called "prompt-pay discount". Try it! You could inquire about financial assistance or an extended pay option.
Bag it: I know this is old advice, but a typical deli sandwich is about $8 on average -some are $12! Mix it up - one magazine suggests making a pound of pasta on the weekend, pouring a little olive oil over it, mixing and storing in the fridge for a week. During the week, you could take a different salad every day -- Mediterranean, Artichoke with Almond & Parmesan Cheese, Tune with red onion and olives and then Asian or Chicken and pesto.
Drink wine? Drink the cheap stuff - it even tastes good, some even better!: Trader Joe's has a great Merlot for $3; there's "2006 Recession White Chardonay" for $5 and "2007 The Little Penguin Shiraz" for $7.
