50+ Ways to Stretch Your Budget during a Recession

(highlight and print this, you may want to use it as a check list! or simply add this site to My Favorites and come back as often as you like!)

Feeling pinched by the rising cost??? The state of the economy have you worried??? I don't blame you. Here are 50+ ways to stretch the budget during a recession (without feeling pinched). If you live in an apartment, you can still cut costs:

1. Cut down on water bill. While the water bill is usually the smallest utility, it can be pretty high during the summer if you have a garden or pool. Place a brick in the toilet tank. Even a small one will help reduce water consumption. Out west this is a common practice. Hand wash dishes instead of using the dishwasher.
2. Use grey water from sinks and washing machines to water the lawn and garden (we do this). You can run a simple pipe out your window (seal it if you do) or have a reservoir set up. Don't know anything about plumbing? Your local home improvement store can build this and you will still save money by the end of the year after paying for the job! We put our own in and saved $20 a month on our water bill (and a fine, we're on water restriction because of the drought).  Free Ground Shipping on over 23,000 Products at PlumberSurplus.com Find faucets Low Priced Faucets, Fixtures and Accessories at eFaucets.com.
3. Check for leaky faucets and toilets, you'd be amazed how much a single drop adds up to in a month or a year.  Low Priced Faucets, Fixtures and Accessories at eFaucets.com. Anyway, a drop from a faucet here cost us $60 a year! (I know, we repaired it) Hand washing dishes will help cut back on the water or making sure the dishwasher is completely full. Likewise, with laundry, don't just wash one item. If you grow a garden or are just putting in new landscape, look for drought resistant plants, the require less water.
4. Turn down the temperature on the hot water heater and dishwasher and use cold water for laundry whenever possible. Turning down the hot water heater temperature just a notch won't mean taking a cold shower or that your dishes won't be sterile enough. And you can use cold water to wash most of your clothes, they will still be just as clean. Have an old hot water heater or a gas hot water heater? Maybe it's time to get a more efficient tankless water heater that will save you money without having to turn down the heat!
5. Hang clothes on a line outside instead of putting them in the dryer. Some clothes can be done this way without sacrificing softness or having to iron.
6. Insulate your home. With rising prices it pays to insulate or re-insulate your home. Literally hundreds of people in our area had new insulation blown in the attic last year when the gas company raised it's prices. Some people had $1000 gas bills that first month, ours was $385. We've reduced it even lower! Older homes insulation has packed down over the years. Your local home improvement store can tell you how much you need and how much you will SAVE on utilities. A well insulated home can save about $50 a month on cooling costs and just imagine what you will save on heating (gas!).
7. Turn off lights, computers, and televisions whenever they are not being used. You don't have to be the light police, but turning off small appliances when they aren't being used can reduce your bill.
8. Use solar outdoor lighting. Instead of the bill you get every month attached to your power bill for the street light, put in solar lights and save about a $60 a year. Or replace old lighting. Receive Free Shipping on all Lighting and Home Accents at Creative-Lighting.com
9. Close the doggie door. Although a doggie door is convenient, it let's heating and cooling escape during the summer and winter, and put's you at risk for being robbed! Your dogs will appreciate it much more if you spent a little time walking them or sitting with them outside! If that's not an option, find one that is more secure and closes better.
10. Put up blinds on windows facing the sun. We put up vertical blinds that we close during the heat of the day, it keeps the temperature down in the livingroom with the bay window! This also helps keep the sun from fading drapes and furniture.
11. Seal cracks and spaces around windows and doors. We checked all our windows (all of them were loose), sealed them with clear silicon caulk, purchased and installed new outer doors, and reduced our power bill by $35 a month and improved the look of the house. If you can't afford to replace doors, you can make or buy door socks that seal the bottom of the door that allow air to seep out.
12. Purchase groceries, do shopping, etc. after work (if you work) on the way home. If you don't work, only go to the store or downtown when you have more than just 1 item! Make the trip count! Gas prices are soaring, and so in everything in relation to it. Use coupons. Print Real Coupons!
13. Find a cheaper apartment, buy a foreclosed home, and/or sell your current home. Money too tight? If you don't have a lease, find a cheaper apartment or even one closer to your job. Looking for a home to buy? You can find great deals on foreclosed homes and tax sales. If you already purchased a home and the loan is too much, consider selling and purchasing a foreclosed home. You may be able to get the same type of home for far less and with the interest rates being cut, could save a great deal of money. There are more foreclosed homes and tax sales than ever. While it may not be a good time to sell in some areas, it is a great time to buy. Looking for an apartment? Find your new place at Apartments.com!
14. Get a washer/dryer combo if you have an apartment now and have to take clothes to the laundry. While I wouldn't encourage spending, especially on credit cards, you are better off if you find a washer/dryer combo to fit the apartment than you are spending money every week to wash and dry laundry. Not only will you save time (and gas if you have to drive), but for what it takes to do laundry you can buy you own machines, save time, and have them paid for before the end of the year if you are diligent and put what you spend on laundry on the bill and utilities! Free Shipping at CompactAppliance.com!
15. Take in a boarder or roommate. Some of us are not as comfortable as others when sharing our personal space, but it could mean the difference between shared space and no space at all. This doesn't mean you can't check references, make sure they work, pay their bills on time, etc. And if the first roommate isn't compatible doesn't mean you should give up. Find one that is compatible. Ask questions and make house rules. Don't allow them to make house rules when it's your house. Do allow them their privacy in their room! Designate them a place to park if you have space and they have an auto.
16. Trade in one vehicle for a motorcycle. If you have more than one vehicle, trade in one for a motorcycle. Motorcycles are more economical on gas and with all the accessories, can be just as comfortable as your SUV! I actually traded in my SUV for a lower gas mileage car. My son got the motorcycle.  Motorcycle Apparel & Gear at BikeBandit.com!
17. Sell any unused vehicles. Don't keep unused vehicles. Selling them would eliminate the burden of insuring an automobile no one uses and give you extra space in the driveway. While most of us are attached to the old pick up on blocks or the paid off car sitting in the drive, it's time to get rid of anything unused.
18. Trade in SUV's for more gas efficient autos. We've known since they first began putting out SUV's that they were an extravagant expense that would eventually come to a screeching halt if gas prices continued to rise, and they have!
19. Carpool for work and share the ride (I did this with 3 other people even when there wasn't a recession), even if you don't like the man or woman you work with, cutting costs are more important. Share the ride with at least 3 other people and save about  $75 to $100 a month!
20. Carpool and take other kids to school. Check around. You can all pitch in for gas or take a week and take all the kids. If you carpool with parent of at least 3 other kids, it saves 3/4 of your gas bill for the month. That's about  $75 to $100 a month!
21. Take the bus. Live near city transit? Taking the bus and leaving your car at home during the week will save as much as $100 a month, depending on how much gas you use.
22. Disabled? Get your freedom back, save on caretaker costs. Get an electric wheel chair or scooter.
23. Auto maintenance. Did you know having bad tires or low air pressure can increase your gas consumption and make it unsafe to drive? Special Offers: Save on quality tires with these manufacturer's promotions available from The Tire Rack.  Changing your oil, keeping coolant, and transmission fluid can also have an impact. You can change your oil and filter yourself. A lot of men do this already, but it easy enough for most women. Shop partsamerica.com Can't afford a mechanic and don't know anything about your car? Buy motor books online. Books Now On Sale at Motorbooks.com! Need more than simple maintenance? Quality auto parts at a lesser price! SAVE $10 on orders worth $199 at Partstrain. Use this code upon checkout (PTTEN)  Not what you need? FREE Shipping! Click for details Don't want to give up on the old Jeep? Shop 4Wheel Drive Hardware For All Your Jeep Needs. Gotta bike and not a car? Motorcycle Apparel & Gear at BikeBandit.com! Looking to pimp your ride? Free Shipping at StreetBeatCustoms.com! Click for Details
24. Walk or ride a bike. Most of us can easily walk a mile, but even so, you can ride a bike up to 20 miles and save gas. Hundreds of bikes used to hit the freeway every morning on the way to work. Some of these guys went from Rio Rancho, NM to Albuquerque, NM every morning. It's great exercise and saves a bundle in gas and wear n tear on the SUV.
25. Brown bag it! Pack the kids lunches for school and yours for work. It can save money and improve your health.
26. Keep the heat or AC low. Let's face it, we've all become spoiled to temperature control, but now it controls us! By reducing our heat and AC, we lowered our bills by $70 a month! That's $840 a year! Use an electric blanket, it still isn't as expensive as having the heat up high.
27. Put in ceiling fans to distribute the air more evenly around the home, especially if it's a split level like ours. We have 6 in our home, including one in the hall bathroom. Oh, and during the winter, just cuddle with your family, you'll stay warm and they'll love it! Find the best-selling lighting, fans, and accessories and more at Lumens.com. Free shipping with $50 order. or find great deals at  FantasticFans.com - All Styles, Free Shipping!
28. Reduce the fat in grocery bills (and your diet). Make tea instead of soda (it's better for you anyway and less expensive), cut back on red meats, and put more fresh vegetables and fruits on the table. Grow a garden, If you buy name brands, use coupons.  A lot of people save hundreds every year by doing this on a regular basis, not just during a recession. If you have to cook, using your crock pot will help save both time and money. Try to find recipes that take less time on the stove. Buy marked down meats and produce. Print Real Coupons!
29. Buy fresher produce at flea markets and farmer's markets. Some growers actually give fresh produce away free or for reduced prices if it's too large for grocery stores if you pick it yourself.
30. Don't buy bottled water! Bottled water is great when you're trying to diet, on the go, or for emergencies, but water is the least expensive commodity on the planet until you buy it in bottles. If you must, buy it in gallons.
31. Purchase bread and snacks at your local Bread Store. Buy day old bread, snacks, and other items at the bread store. We save about $1.50 per loaf of bread, and much more on other items. That's about $150 a year on bread alone!
32. Pets! Please, if you find you can't afford to keep your cats and dogs, don't drop them off just anywhere. Hungry animals dropped off in your neighborhood could attack your children, so don't put others at risk. Run an ad in the paper or take them to the pound. But before you do, know that even for large dogs, you'll only be saving about $250 a year and loosing your best friend! You can cut that much out by fixing a leaky faucet or catching rain water to wash your car!  Most states only require you give your pet a rabies shot and get a tag, that runs about $12 a year in Alabama. While it's not particularly healthy for the animals, if you must, feed them scraps from the table. Dog food cost less if you purchase it in bulk, like at Sam's Club or Costo or Price Club. It will stay fresher longer if you get a simple large $8 trash can at Walmart and store it in the trash can. If you live in rural areas where mice (or rats) come in, it will also help keep rats and mice out of your house! You can get most pet meds or vitamins online and save money. We have two whopping Labs we love and they love us! Giving them up would be tantamount to giving up our children. Get Free Shipping on Your Calendars.com Orders $20 and Over!
33. Grow a garden, it will save up to 75% of your fresh produce bill. Till your own garden or compost your own soil, it will save money in the long run. MANTIS® TILLER - America’s Favorite Tiller Weighs just 20 pounds. Now with Free Shipping. One-year no-hassle money-back guarantee. MANTIS® ComposT-Twin – for a continuous supply of compost! Free Activator and Guide to Composting. One-year money-back guarantee. Even if you have to purchase a new till/or composter, you will have saved the cost of the tiller plus groceries by the end of the growing season. Don't know how to garden? Directgardening.com offers one of the easiest ways to plan a garden. Simply select from one of the many Pre Planned Gardens .
34. Again, Use grey water. If you've never used grey water, setting up a system won't be as expensive as you think. We put in a grey water system ourselves and saved $20 a month on water. Free Ground Shipping on over 23,000 Products at PlumberSurplus.com Low Priced Faucets, Fixtures and Accessories at eFaucets.com.
35. Eat sandwiches, soups, or salads 2 or 3 times a week. First, it will help cut the food budget, second, if you've put on a few extra pounds over the winter, it will help you lose weight. Third, it will help reduce gas or electric bills. By doing this, we saved $50 a week in groceries.
36. Purchase vitamins and pet needs online. We've been buying our vitamins online for about 10 years, including our dog's vitamins and have saved $100's of dollars, including pet flea/tick and meds.
37. Cook outside on the grill. Cooking outside isn't just fun, it keeps the house cooler, keeping cooling costs down.  Ultimate website to buy grills. From a $30 portable to a $10,400 luxury grill - Barbecues.com has it all  And Everything for the outdoor entertaining enthusiast for low prices. Grills, Smokers, Lighting, Outdoor Furniture & much more. or Internet Grilling Superstore - ShoppersChoice.com. Free Shipping on select grills and more
38. Rent or buy movies and bring them home. Even buying a movie is less expensive than taking 3 or more people to the theater. In the UK: Online DVD Rental FREE TRIAL! The UK's leading online DVD service. Try Blockbuster.co.uk FREE for 2 weeks! If you do go to the theater, eat before you go, snack prices are more expensive than the movie! Get 3 Disney Movies for $1.99 Each, Plus Free Shipping! Join Now! If you do go out, odds are you will get a better price and still Get Great Tickets on StubHub.com!
39. Get cable tv and internet. Having cable channels may help cut expenses if you watch a lot of new movie releases, need a computer connected, or want to bundle cable tv, internet, and internet phone services.
40. Stop smoking or cut back. If you don't feel you can quit smoking, then go to a generic or cheaper brand, you could cut as much as $500 a year. Depending on the price of your brand of cigarette, you could save more than $1,000 a year per person by quitting smoking, not to mention burnt clothes or furniture. And the health benefits! Quit Smoking Now
41. Kids costing you a fortune? During the last recession in the 70's, my brothers and sisters and I took part time jobs after school and during the summer to help our parents with expenses (there were 6 of us kids). It's not a crime to need the extra help and they may want to work, especially if they are graduating this year. Out of the 232,000 jobs lost in from January to March 2008, minimum wage jobs that teens and the elderly get weren't effected much. With their own money, they can buy some of their own school clothes, pay for gas they use just riding around, have a greater sense of independence and much more.....
42. Get take out instead of dinning in. Dinning in may be mom's only treat for the week, but you can cut costs by getting take out and mom still doesn't have to cook or do the dishes. Use your take out and have a picnic. Outing's make things feel as normal as possible. Still want to dine out? Find coupons in the paper for 2 for 1 meal deals.
43. Have too many phones? We eliminated our house phone because we all had cell phones. One less bill per month, saved us over $700 a year. Don't have a cell phone? Cell phone family plans can help cut back cell phone costs as well, or pay as you go deals. Maybe your home phone is a necessity and not the cell phone. Get a beeper. Visit Cell Phone Shop and save up to 80% on your cell phone accessories .
44. Purchase checks online. I did and saved a bundle.
45. Don't skip your vacation! You don't have to. Plus, your family and you will feel much better after a break from the everyday grind and stress of the recession.. Search the Internet. Great deals are going on right now. You won't see them again after the recession is over. As you can see, there is a lot out there, just plan for how many guests, food, activities, film and camera and taxes.
    1. If you're driving and just need a room: Quite frankly, just to get away for the weekend or the week, any room would do, and you can share with the kids in most hotels. Priceline.com Hotels - save up to 50%
    2. If you need a flight and a hotel: CheapCaribbean.com
    3. If you're on business: Top deals for the business traveler only at Expedia.com!
    4. If you need last minute: Last-Minute Hotel Deals at Expedia.com
    5. If the kids are going on Spring Break: Affordable Spring Break Trips
    6. If you're headed toward Europe: Visit Travelocity for all your European Vacation destinations and Package deals
    7. If you'r going camping or hiking: Camping Gear  Find the right clothes for your outing. Click HERE for the Deal of The Day From OutInStyle.com, The Army, Navy and Camo Superstore! Buy Today's Item for At or Below Cost!  Fishing Tackle For all your boating needs Free Shipping at Overton's!
    8. If you need a cruise:  Best Rates on Carnival Fun Ship Cruises Save up to 752% Now!
46. Buying new clothes or shoes. Kids are continually growing and needing new things. And Mother's Day and Father's Day are just around the corner, but if you don't need it, don't buy it. But if you do and you see something on sale now, don't wait! Here are 10 great sites:
    1. Having a hard time picking out a gift? Get a gift certificate at Shopbop.com!
    2. Haband - Men's & Women's Quality Apparel at the Best Prices!
    3. Check Out This Season's Best Dresses at JustSweet.com!
    4. Hothair - Best Selling Wigs, Hair Extensions & Accessories  
    5. CLICK HERE for the Latest Urban & Hip Hop Styles from Enyce!  
    6. Save 70% on Top Brands at shopbop.com!
    7. Mens at Westport Big & Tall
    8. Click here for high-quality Junonia clothing exclusively designed for active women size 14 and up.
    9.  24Studio - Back to School
    10.  Shoes.com
47. Drug bills soaring? Walmart's across the country have a drug plan that will help some people without insurance. Plus, you can save on just about anything at Walmart!
48. On disability? There are several programs that charge as low a zero a month for prescription coverage. And, if you sign up online, you can refill and have them delivered to your mailbox.
49. Get organized! Being organized saves time and in today's economy, time is money! Wasted time is wasted money (and more frustrating). Organizing your home will also allow you to store food and supplies in bulk for the hard times ahead! Organize Your Garage...In No Time - 15% off or organize the rest of the house. 10% off all orders $35.00 or more (Coupon Code: A9849)
50. Use the internet whenever possible to send email instead of driving or calling. There are several internet providers out there. Some areas have only one (like us) and you have no choice unless you use a phone modem. Your old computer is worn out or just not fast enough?
51. Lower insurance rates! Shop around to see if you can't lower or completely eliminate unnecessary insurance. We did and saved $600 a year! There are literally hundreds of insurance companies, some give credits for having home, auto, life and/or health on the same policy. Netquote.com Others for multiple autos or for RVs or boats. Are you paying too much for your RV Insurance? Click here for a free quote from Good Sam VIP
52. Upgrade from a window air conditioning unit to a central unit. A window unit uses twice as much power to run and it doesn't provide heat.
53. Go fishing! Yes I said go fishing! First, it will help reduce stress (and who doesn't need that) and second, if you're good, it will provide fresh fish for the dinner table. Most of all, you'll have a great time doing it. Find fishing and hunting license and information. Don't like fishing? The point is that you NEED to take a break. Stress causes people to make mistakes, and they usually wind up being very expensive! Fishing Tackle For all your boating needs Free Shipping at Overton's!
54. Need Cash or Credit? Sometimes we need money in a hurry or credit when something unexpected happens. You're Approved for Guaranteed Unsecured Credit Cards and Personal Loans - Any Credit History Click Here Be careful not to overspend and make sure loans or credit cards can easily be paid.   
55. Find a less expensive barber or beautician. You don't need to cut out hair cuts, but there is always a less expensive barber or beautician that is just as skillful as the one you use now! As a general rule, men's hair cuts are less expensive than women, so if you find a beautician that does both, you're in luck! Don't want to change barbers or beauticians. Tell them you're going to have to change hairdressers if they can't lower their price, they may and you won't have to change. My husband was using a beautician downtown that was quite expensive, then we began going to a neighbor that has a beauty shop in her home. It cost less to cut both our hair, than it did his alone in town!
56. Get new appliances! Old appliances use more electricity. And they have a habit of not being as reliable. Look for Energy Star ratings. If your utility bills have been over the roof, you may be able to save  the cost of new appliances in less than a year, we did! Shop CompactAppliance.com
57. Recycle. Buy used products when you can or have products repaired. Save aluminum cans and turn them in for cash. It helps save money and the planet!
58. Do odds & ends jobs and earn a little extra cash. If you have an erratic schedule, you can do odds and ends jobs, mow lawns, till people's gardens or weed, bake cookies or cakes, sew, baby sit for a neighbor, run errands, etc.
59. Craft? If you're a crafter or an artist, sell your work online. Find out how to sell it, earn a little extra money and have fun doing it. It's simple. Not a crater? Sell stuff from around the house.
60. Retired? Baby sit for the grandchildren. You'll help your children save money (and maybe they'll pay you a little bit), and get to spend more time with your grandchildren!
61. Start your own home business and earn a few extra bucks! You don't have to have a business to have an online business. All you need is access to a computer with an Internet connection, a bank account (to get paid), and some time to set it up and check on it. In a couple of months, you will have made up your initial investment (website and domain costs) and much more!  Find out how to start your own business today! Save 20% on web creation/web hosting products using code TWC287