FiVe MoNeY sAVinG TiPs

1. Drive your car longer. The buy new versus used debate often overlooks the most important factor--how long you own your car. Drive it as long as you safely can for substantial savings

2. Get healthy. Your health will directly impact the cost of life insurance and, in some cases, can reduce the cost of your health insurance.

3. Cook at home. If both the husband and wife work, this is likely to be very difficult. Start out with the habit of cooking at home once a week and slowly increase the frequency until you find a balance between saving money and getting stressed out.

4. Buy generic product. Does it really matter whether your cereal is made by Kellogg's or is the store brand? Does it matter if your milk is Oak Farms or the store brand? Find what works for you and switch to generic brands for at least a part of your grocery list.

5. Avoid impulse buying.  Many of the things you want to buy do not seem all that urgent or necessary.  If can, wait for a day or two. Waiting means you will be able to check prices and make an informed decision to buy it at the best possible price.