2. Always use coupons or discount voucher codes if you know where to check online. There are many websites out there that offer thousands of coupons to almost every online store.

3. Always keep an eye for online rebates given by retailers that can help to save a huge percentage on the selling price. Simple fill out a little form and cut out the UPC code. Use these rebates and save big.

4. Always look out for sites or items that come with free shipping. As mentioned above, shipping fee is normally 20% more than the item price itself. Saving on your shipping can be tremendous if your item costs a lot.

5. Do not miss out those state retailers that do not charge sales tax for your items for your state. The money saving here could be significant too.

With money saving tips above and if you have practiced them well, you can add up and see how much you have easily saved for yourself. The best part is, you don’t even have to walk into a store to save a bundle. Spend some time to search online and I am sure you can find more money saving offers and tips out there. Start saving and enjoy living debt free today!

Beat The Recession Recommends:

Automobile Insurance – Compare and Save Instantly

Mystery Shopper
Sign up to be a mystery shopper in your area and you’ll be able to dine at a number of local restaurants. You pay up front for the meal, and then submit for reimbursement once you’ve submitted a review. It’s a free meal out – can’t beat that! Just remember to follow the instructions for the assignment or you may end up not being reimbursed fully.

Forage
Although not necessarily applicable to city-dwellers, a great option for those who live in more rural locales is to learn how to identify edible foods in the wild. You should do your research well, as some plants are harmful to eat.

Coupons
Keep your eyes open for coupons that offer you 100% discounts on specific products. Follow specific blogs that track these types of offers daily or weekly for the best deals.

Request Freebies
Sign up for every promotional offer you can find – cereal, snack bars, etc. Spending an hour or so online may pay for itself – in food!

Barter
Do you have a special skill that is useful to others? Try exchanging some labor for food and your special skill may turn into your next meal!

Buddy up to Gardeners
Know any gardeners that have a surplus of fruits, grains or vegetables? Ask them if they have leftovers – and you may end up with some free and delicious ingredients for dinner.

Free Meals
Keep your eyes peeled for local events that offer food – such as church functions, grand openings, meetings, receptions, etc. You’ll be able to eat for free and you may meet some new people to share frugal tips with!

Grocery Leftovers
Large grocery stores often toss food that doesn’t look appealing enough to sell but is otherwise completely edible. If you aren’t too picky about what your food looks like, try hitting up your local grocery chains and finding a great deal!

Split An Entree
Depending on the restaurant’s portion sizes, you may be able to share an entree and an appetizer with someone else. You won’t over eat a large portion and you’ll both save money on the bill. Try ordering family-style with larger parties – everyone gets to try a lot of different dishes and the check won’t break the bank.

Leftovers
Perhaps you don’t feel like sharing a plate at dinner, but are served an entree with way too much food to finish. Plan on putting the rest in a to-go container and enjoying the leftovers the following night. You’ve instantly got two meals for the price of one!

Lunch Specials
If you can, plan for meals out during lunch, where most restaurants have much cheaper items on the menu. You’ll find the same food available for dinner at nearly half the cost.

Coupons & Happy Hour
Try scouring the local newspapers and coupon books for deals at your favorite restaurants. This way you can plan to visit your favorite spots and save even more with seasonal promotions. If you plan on having a few drinks, plan to arrive when the restaurant is offering Happy Hour bar specials. The cost of alcohol can really make a tab skyrocket, and Happy Hours will help you manage the total.

Sides & Desserts
If you’re worried about steep prices on the menu after you sit down, there are a few tricks to keep that check low. Instead of a full entree, order a few sides. You’ll feel just as satisfied and won’t have to shell out so much for your meal. Skip dessert as well, and you’ve got dinner at a fancy restaurant for a bargain.

So, let’s set some new precedents for 2009. Like, you won’t purchase anything for regular price, except of course groceries—another topic entirely. I’m talking about a vacation—an energizing getaway that you can afford, especially since January travel deals are some of the best of the year.

Yes, I’m actually promoting travel right now! Because if you’ve been taking our pointers here at Beat the Recession, you aren’t among the millions of Americans suffering from holiday burn-out. You saved money and are ready to start the new year with a bang. So, let’s go! Read on for a few tips for planning a budget-friendly vacation in January.

Why Travel in January?
It’s pretty simple, really. January is cold and spending is down after the holiday shopping mania. But, if you’ve saved enough and are ready to get away, it’s a great time to find some killer deals.

Mexico
If you refuse to leave home unless you see some ocean, don’t worry. There are some great options available, if you head south of the border. Mexico is one of the most affordable beach vacations you can take year-round, and it definitely shouldn’t be taken for granted in the cold winter months. Just make sure you travel early in January, since the high season starts later on in the month. Hotel prices go up in the 3rd and 4th weeks of January, so plan to leave town soon after New Year’s.

Cultural Meccas
Most people head to the beach in cold weather, which drives airfare to warmer destinations up in the winter. So, you should head to off-season locations that will still deliver in culture and experience, no matter what the weather is like outside. You’ll find great deals on trips to New York, Amsterdam, Paris, and even China if you’re willing to layer up and explore these cities in their colder months. A huge benefit (aside from the major savings) is that you’ll find these popular destinations less touristy. And who wouldn’t love a steamy espresso on a cold winter day on the steps of the Louvre?

Ski
Ski season is going strong in January, but prices drop after the holidays. If you’re into a sporty vacation, and wouldn’t mind some time cozying up in a Colorado cabin, consider a ski vacation.

You’ll find a ton of travel sites offering package deals, group discounts, and other coupons that all add up to some great savings for traveling in January. A few of our favorites?

www.Travelocity.com

www.Expedia.com

www.sandals.com

www.wheretostay.com

And don’t forget to check out the major airlines sites, like Continental, Southwest, United, etc.