Cutting corners and creative savings to deal with tightening budgets

There’s talk that relief from the recession and energy crisis may be almost two years away. To save money at the pump, consider carpooling to run your errands. If you have friends that live near you, share the driving, especially if you live in a more rural community. Going to the doctor, the bank, and general shopping venues can be 20 to 25 minutes away. Carpooling with friends may save you up to $50. Combine that with any savings from taking public transportation, carpooling, or biking to work and the savings could double. The savings will continue to increase as people also change their food-buying habits.

Where I live there is a Walmart, a Family Dollar, a Dollar tree, a CVS, an international grocery store, and two regular grocery stores. They are all within a three mile radius. One of the grocery stores has better quality products but my budget won’t allow for loyalty. Shopping for basic food items and store brands at the other grocery store saves me a lot of money. Buying household items at Walmart or the dollar stores saves me even more. Shoppers around the country have to do all we can to save. Food prices are projected to rise another 3 to 4 percent this year while wages are expected to remain the same. Below are some consumer saver websites that may be of interest:

Coolsavings.com
TheGroceryGame.com
Redplum.com
Coupons.com