From ivillage :

Use cash instead of credit
Don't carry your credit cards with you -- it will make you think before you make a purchase with cash only. --karen 1223

Spend less on water
We bought a water cooler for $100. I know that's steep, but water is only 25 cents per gallon at the local water store. Thus, the five-gallon jug that goes on the cooler only costs $1.25! Five gallons usually lasts us about two weeks. Since most 16-ounce bottles of water are at least a dollar, the savings are pretty substantial. --pipercat

Have meatless days
We go meatless a couple of times a week. We started doing it during lean times, and even now that they aren't anymore, we still do it! Have spaghetti without meat, stir-fried veggies with cornbread or baked potatoes topped with broccoli and melted cheese. --Wendy

Go glamorous for less
Ask your salon if it has a training night. Hairdressers-in-training often cut your hair just as well as your regular hairdresser would (they're supervised by senior staff), but for a fraction of the usual cost. --nberes

Take brownbag lunches
When I go grocery shopping, I buy food that I can keep at work -- soups, frozen meals, snacks, etc. I find that I can save $40 to $60 a week. --Wunder who

Rummage for bargains
Check out garage sales. I use the Internet to check different newspapers for sales in a larger area than right where I live. We have saved thousands of dollars over the years by doing this. It's also great fun! -- 13kat

Get something back from your credit cards
I suggest finding a credit card that offers some type of reward (cash back, phone discounts, etc.) and always haggle for a low APR if you plan on carrying a balance. Credit card companies are so competitive -- if you call your credit card company and tell them you've found a lower APR on another card, they'll most likely match it.
Also, I keep a jar for my change. I only collect dimes and quarters. When I use cash, I always break bills to get the change Once a week or so, I empty out my change purse and throw all the quarters and dimes into my jar. Over time it really adds up, and it's money you don't really miss. --bjaye


Create savings goals
We used to have six different accounts at our bank and now we have two: checking and savings. My Quicken program has a feature called "savings goals," which is wonderful. I just create a "goal" and then create an automatic transfer from every paycheck in the amount I want. The feature separates my savings into different goals without actually moving the money into a different account. My goals include gifts, vacations, repairs, taxes, insurance, dues, emergencies, etc.
For large-budget items like biannual insurance or yearly taxes, this is a great way to save. It also helps to save for Christmas and vacations so I don't have to use my credit card. --staab


Sign on for coupons and freebies
My sister-in-law and I have learned that if we really like a product we can call and ask to be put on their free sample lists and ask for coupons. Between the two of us, we've received over 75 free coupons. --m316

Visit consignment shops
I work for a downtown D.C. law firm, so clothes are important; we do have "business-casual" Fridays, but you can't wear jeans or leggings. It's a challenge, but I solve the problem by consignment-shopping. Consignment shops may even provide discount cards if you are a regular. In the summer, I head for the yard sales and am always amazed at the designer clothes I can find there for a couple of bucks. --wantacondo

Develop a Lifestyle of Savings

Tips help, but goals and planning are necessary
Set goals to earn interest and save for retirement
Build up your savings for emergencies
Consider the interest cost on unplanned debt
Educate yourself with books on personal finance
Involve the entire family in budgeting and setting goals
Seek counseling if overwhelmed
Pay yourself, save 10% of your earnings
Get a 2nd temporary job
Turn a hobby into a source of income
Avoid impulse buying
Cut back on luxuries and non-essential expenses
Exercise, it reduces stress and improves your health
Money Saving Tips

Food:

Cook from scratch and make it healthy
Avoid vending machines and expensive junk foods
Plan meals in advance and shop with a list
Cancel the espresso, take a thermos
Brown bag school and work lunches
Shop alone and when you are not hungry
Utilize and freeze leftovers, do not waste
Avoid buying at convenience stores
Limit fast food meals
Buy store brands, avoid name brands
Clip coupons for necessary items
Buy in bulk

Health:

Eat fruit and veggies, they are cheaper and healthier
Do not abuse alcohol and tobacco
Ask for generic prescriptions
Develop an at home exercise routine, avoid clubs
Brush and floss often
See your Dr. for regular check-ups

Home:

Turn off lights, TV, PC etc. when not in use
Run dishwasher and washing machine with full loads
Set thermostat at 68 degrees and wear warm clothes
Turn down temperature on water heater
Find ways to use less water (contact water dept.)
Learn simple home repairs
Complete minor repairs before they become major
Do your own painting and lawn mowing

Communication:

Limit long distance calling
Cancel options such as call waiting and caller ID
Try to get by without a cell phone
E-mail instead of calling
Write letters instead of expensive cards and calls
Utilize a discount phone card for long distance
Make your own greeting cards

Insurance:

Shop for cheaper auto insurance
Shop for cheaper homeowner's insurance
Increase deductibles (check with lienholders 1st)

Entertainment:

Rent movies instead of going to theaters
Look for specials (take out pizza and movie rentals)
Picnic or camp at a park or public recreation area
Look for alternatives to expensive hobbies
Utilize your public library and community recreation
Cancel premium cable TV services, read more
Cancel newspaper and magazine subscriptions

Autos:

Change your own oil (check owner's manual)
Avoid high octane gas (check owner's manual)
Review extended warranties thoroughly
Complete minor repairs before they become major
Park or sell a 2nd car
Rotate tires (check owner's manual)
Plan errands to limit number of trips and mileage

Clothing:

Shop out of season for clearance items
Be patient, wait for sales to buy school clothes
Hang dry clothes, they wear longer and saves energy

Misc.

Refrain from payday/post dated check loans
Avoid borrowing from finance companies

Airline Fares

You may lower the price of a round trip air fare by as much as two-thirds by making certain your trip includes a Saturday evening stay over, and by purchasing the ticket in advance.

To make certain you have a cheap fare, even if you use a travel agent, contact all the airlines that fly where you want to go and ask what the lowest fare to your destination is.

Be flexible, if possible. Consider using low fare carriers or alternative airports and keep an eye out for fare wars.

Car Rental

Since car rental rates can vary greatly, shop around for the best basic rates. Ask about any additional charges (extra driver, gas, drop-off fees) and special offers.

Rental car companies offer various insurance and waiver options. Check with your automobile insurance agent and credit card company in advance to avoid duplicating any coverage you may already have.

New Cars

You can save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a car by selecting a model that combines a low purchase price with low financing, insurance, gasoline, maintenance, and repair costs. Ask your local librarian for new car guides that contain this information.

Having selected a model, you can save hundreds of dollars by comparison shopping. Call at least five dealers for price quotes and let each know that you are calling others.

Remember there is no "cooling off" period on new car sales. Once you have signed a contract, you are obligated to buy the car

Used Cars

Before buying any used car:

Compare the seller's asking price with the average retail price in a "bluebook" or other guide to car prices found at many libraries, banks, and credit unions.

Have a mechanic you trust check the car, especially if the car is sold "as is."

Consider purchasing a used car from an individual you know and trust. They are more likely than other sellers to charge a lower price and point out any problems with the car.

Car Repairs

Consumers lose billions of dollars each year on unneeded or poorly done car repairs. The most important step that you can take to save money on these repairs is to find a skilled, honest mechanic. Before you need repairs, look for a mechanic who:

is certified and well established;

has done good work for someone you know; and

communicates well about repair options and costs

Auto Insurance

You can save several hundred dollars a year by purchasing auto insurance from a licensed, low-price insurer. Call your state insurance department for a publication showing typical prices charged by different companies. Then call at least four of the lowest-priced, licensed insurers to learn what they would charge you for the same coverage.

Talk to your agent or insurer about raising your deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage to at least $500 or, if you have an old car, dropping this coverage altogether. Taking these steps can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

Make certain that your new policy is in effect before dropping your old one

Checking

You can save more than $100 a year in fees by selecting a checking account with a low (or no) minimum balance requirement that you can, and do, meet. Request a list of these and other fees (including ATM and debit card fees) that are charged on these accounts.

Banking institutions often will drop or lower checking fees if paychecks are directly deposited by your employer. Direct deposit offers the additional advantages of convenience, security, and immediate access to your money.

Credit Cards

You can save as much as a thousand dollars or more each year in lower credit card interest charges by paying off your entire bill each month or by using a check, cash or debit card for purchases.

If you are unable to pay off a large balance, pay as much as you can and switch to a credit card with a low annual percentage rate (APR). You can obtain listings of low-rate credit cards through www.cardlocator.com or www.bankrate.com (click on credit cards), which provide information at no charge to consumers.

You can reduce credit card fees, which may add up to well over $100 a year, by getting rid of all but one or two cards, and by avoiding annual, late payment, and over-the-credit limit fees.

Telephone Service

At least once a year review your phone bills for the previous three months to see what local, local toll, long distance, and international calls you normally make. Call several phone companies, including wireless companies, to find an inexpensive calling plan that meets your needs.

If you make very few toll or long distance calls, avoid calling plans with monthly fees or minimums.

Check your phone bill to see if you have optional calling services you don't use. Each option you drop could save you $40 or more each year.

Before making calls when away from home, compare per minute rates and surcharges for different prepaid phone cards and calling card plans to find the one that saves you the most money.

Dial your long distance calls directly. Using an operator to place the call can cost you up to $10 extra.

If you use a wireless phone, make sure your wireless calling plan covers the calls you typically make. Understand promotions, peak calling periods, area coverage and roaming, and long distance requirements to avoid paying too much.