One thing that I have done is scaled down our family's individual phone plans and put us all on one. In other words, try to include your parents, brothers, sisters, etc. and put as many as you can on one bill. Even with unlimited text and minutes, the total bill is small when divided among all of you. The extra cost adds up to only about $12 per line. And if everyone has their own phone, you can cancel your home line (not recommended if you have small kids).

The problem becomes who assumes the liability and trust of everyone else to pay. Have them pay AHEAD of time for 2 months at a time, or do something similar.

A short note about fuel economy: Fully inflate your tires!

Fully inflated tires will allow your car to run more efficiently requiring less gasoline.

I cannot tell you how many times I have been to an oil change place and the guy says "well, the manufacturer says the recommended oil pressure is 32 psi", even though I have new Michelin tires that state right on them "maximum pressure 52 psi".

My reply is "these are NOT the original tires from the manufacturer, inflate them to the maximum cold pressure stated on the tire please". They don't like doing it because it takes time. And don't worry if your tires are warm from driving. The pressure will DECREASE as the tires cool, and not significantly.

I found a great way to save on grocery condiments. Read sauce labels and then make the sauce yourself. If you mix store brand fat free mayo with horseradish you have a fat free horseradish sauce for less than 1/2 of what you'd pay for a brand name horseradish sauce. I've made my own 1000 Isle dressing, BBQ sauce and marinades by just reading the label and then assembling the ingredients myself. I also recycle all jars and bottles to put my homemade products in. Works great!

I like to cut expenses even in an "up" economy; frugal habits are good habits. Never waste anything, especially food. Food, I find, is one of the biggest expenses next to mortgage and utilities, and a great deal of money goes down the drain and in the garbage with waste--you might be very surprised if you tracked it. By planning your meals and being creative (rotisserie chickens can make three meals for 5.99) and you can use everything, even the chicken bones, to make soup. Books on Great Depression Frugality offer some wild suggestions to save money.

1. Cut down cable service
2. Reduced newspaper delivery times
3. Started buying whole (uncooked) chicken
4. Began walking more instead of driving; Or
5. took commuter bus or train when I had to travel long distances