As you’re looking over your budget trying to decide how to eliminate excess spending don’t forget to look at the little things. They add up too. And much more than you might expect.

With more gloom and doom predicted for the economy in 2009 just how does anyone expect to make ends meet let alone save any real money? And if you're on a fixed income or have a family, it's not just hard it's nearly impossible. Over the next several posts, I'll share some real world tips that just might make it a little less stressful in 2009.

You can finally breathe a sigh of relief the holidays are done for one more year. Now's the time to start thinking about taking down all those decorations. And, just a little planning this year will save you tons of time next. Here's what you'll need to get started. 1. Clear plastic totes or cardboard boxes. If you don't already have plastic totes, they can be a bit expensive to buy. But they'll last for years and they do a very good job of keeping out the pests and rodents. Make sure to get enough to hold all your decorations. 2. 2-3 Plastic garden hose reels

Don’t panic, but this is the last weekend before Christmas. Here are a few last minute tips to help you get ready so you can relax and celebrate the big day too.

With money tight for almost everyone this year, here’s a tip that just might help everybody get all the expensive books, CD’s, video games, and DVD’s they want. And you won’t have to spend much if anything at all to do it. Have a gift exchange. Instead of buying those expensive presents, get together with friends and family and do an exchange. Here’s the hitch, all the items must be used. If you do buy something, it has to be used as well.