Food

• Food costs can be slashed using a number of methods, each of which may be more or less appropriate for you depending on your situation. Growing a garden can supply piles of fresh produce throughout the summer and fall. Keeping chickens can provide you with eggs and meat. Joining a pre-order food cooperative gives you the chance to buy bulk foods in large bags at a much lower cost per pound than you would pay in the grocery store. Coupon clipping and finding specials on the Internet can save a lot at grocery stores. Avoiding pre-packaged and specialty foods will decrease your food budget.
  
  

Clothing

• If you are someone who spends a lot on clothing, this is an area that can be drastically reduced without causing you any harm. Take care of the clothes that you have so that they last a long time. Wash them on a gentle cycle and dry them on a line rather than in a dryer. When you do buy clothing, buy more expensive, high quality clothing since it will last longer and be less expensive than cheap clothing in the long run. Buy simple tops, skirts, pants and accessories that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits out of fewer clothes.
  
  

Shelter

• Rent and mortgage eat up a huge percentage of many people's budgets. The difference is that a mortgage is moving you towards ownership, while rent has vanished as soon as the month is over. If you are capable of carrying a mortgage, work towards buying a house or condo rather than renting. Have an energy audit done on your home to get advice about what changes you could make to save money on utilities. If you have an extra room and don't mind some company, take in a boarder and use their rent to help cover your mortgage.
  
  

Entertainment

• Avoid expensive nights out. Parking, child care, dinner and a show for two people can easily suck up two or three hundred dollars, money that could be put towards far more sensible things if times are tight. Invite friends over for a potluck evening. Learn to play an instrument and spend time singing with your friends. Go for walks in parks or in the countryside. Keep an eye on community announcements for inexpensive or free events such as school plays, concerts by unknown bands and free days at art museums. Discover the joys and education that are available at your local library.