We know it’s hard to imagine life without all seventeen varieties of yogurt that you “need” and “love,” but the economy is bad, costs are way up, and if we want our quality of life to remain, on the whole, unaffected, it’s time to start learning some tricks to cut corners and save on the things we don’t really need…or at least can get for cheaper. Let’s start wit the most important first.

1) Organize beforehand. This means going through those newspapers, magazines, and mailers you usually throw out to look for what is on sale. Clip endlessly on items you generally purchase and save them, so that way you will have an organized folder of all your coupons. If this means planning your week’s meals in advance so you know exactly what you have to buy, go for it.

2) Create a list. Know what you need going in. Don’t impulse shop. In other words, don’t go to the supermarket hungry. This is a bottomless pit of spending for the average consumer, when a box of Hostess cupcakes will seem like a great idea at the time. And keep your eyes closed at the checkout line. No, you don’t need “Us Weekly” to tell you about Angelina’s new adopted baby.

3) Coupons, coupons and MORE coupons. Manufacturers make coupons to encourage you to buy there product, these coupons can you save 20% or more on your bill each month. If you are like most of the people I talk to, you don’t have a lot of time to cut coupons from the weekly flyers, instead try one of my favorite’s selectcouponprogram.com. For a small handling fee you can log into their site and choose the grocery coupons you want. In a day or two they will arrive at your front door.