saving money

So being out of a job I have had to save money as much as possible. I have always been a frugal shopper but know I have had to really expand it. I will give it up to my boyfriend as he is really good about the energy cost and getting power strips and unplugging everything. I guess that is the first thing I can suggest is to get a power strip for your TV,stereo,DVD/blue ray player. If you have all of these things together then get a power strip and turn it on only when in use. Also unplug stuff like the coffee maker when not in use and other electrical stuff you don't use all the time. That right there will save some money. Another thing I do is cut coupons. I know it is a pain in the but but at the same time it can save you money and lots of it. Look at the store flyers for sales, make a list of what you want (plan ahead). Also just because you want to save money you should not eat unhealthy fruit and vegetables are important and they really are not that expensive. Buy the stuff that is in season why I just bought some green beans, squash and zucchini for under $1.00. Don't get all the stuff in a bag sometimes if you buy it individual it can be cheaper. Coupons are great because you can use them on sale stuff and can also double it up for example if you have a coupon that says buy 2 and save a $1.00 and have another coupon that is $1.00off and the item is on sale for 3for$5.00 then you bought 3 items for $3.00. That is a major savings but also remember that if it is something that you don't use a lot or cant be frozen to last longer then don't bother it will go bad before you use it and that is a waste of money. Another thing is the big stores like sams and bjs. They have great deals and bjs excepts coupons as well. A good way to do it is get someone to go half on the membership that way you don't have to pay the full amount by yourself. Don't always think that just because its there they have a better price that is not always the case. If there is something on sale stock up (if you can), especially if you have a coupon; this will save you money in the long run (big stores are great for this). Also when meat is on sale stock up or go half with someone else. If you are going to start freezing food you might want to invest in a mini freezer. Remember just because you have a coupon or its at a big store does not mean its the best deal sometimes the generics are way cheaper and the taste is almost the same. This takes time and effort but once you get into it its really easy. There are lots of websites and the Sunday paper is a great way to start out.