1. Get generic food: the store-brand food is less expensive and almost exactly the same ingredients as the name brand.

2. Get rewards! Apply for the store rewards card. If you happen to forget your rewards card, ask the cashier to scan the store card for you. They should be more than willing to do so.

3. Buy items in bulk, like at a wholesale food seller.

4. Don’t buy things you don’t need. It sounds easier than it is, but remember you don’t have to keep up with this minute’s fad to have what you need. Marketing experts create a lot of buzz around the next big thing like iPhone…

5. Return non-opened items that you know you won’t use. Companies such as Bed, Bath & Beyond and Bloomingdales have very good return policies. Most companies allow you to return unopened goods within a certain time period for your money back-look at your receipt to find the return policy or try to return it anyway.

6. That $5 latte adds up quick. Skip out on Starbucks and brew your own coffee. Buy a French press or a coffeemaker for your room-the basic model will cost about as much as a week’s worth of Starbucks.

7. Carefully track the money you spend. This way you know when you are about to overspend.

8. Dry off razor blades after use. This stops the metal from oxidizing and rusting. Drying them will double the life of the blades.

9. Use the library or other free resources instead of stores to do things like rent movies.

10. Combine cable, phone and Internet. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to negotiate prices with service providers. If they won’t budge, call cancellation services and tell them you have “financial hardship” or “the bill is too expensive”. Speak with a supervisor if necessary since the account representative likely can’t make those decisions.

11. Always ‘shop around’ and compare prices for big or important purchases, like a television or car.