Boy, some of these suggestions call for real lifestyle changes. Now, I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but it's rather drastic. How about some simpler ideas.

Instead of not eating out, how about adjusting how you do it. Instead of a drink, get water. For what it costs to buy a glass of soda, you can get two liters or more at the store.

The same for dessert. For that one slice of pie, you could buy the whole pie.

Don't even get me started on alcohol markup.

This is a big one for a lot of people. If you only live a couple of blocks from someplace, why drive? Walk it in good weather.

If you must drive, try to combine trips. And plan your trips out so you can make the journey without a bunch of running back and forth.

Put your utility bills on automatic payment. You know you're going to have to pay them anyway. By making them automatic, you save on checks and stamps (You can avoid these costs by paying online as well). And if you're the type that tends to let the bills sit on the table for too long, by making them automatic you don't have any late payment penalties.

The suggestions about movies are good too. Do you really have to see that movie on opening weekend? If you can wait a couple of months, it will probably be at your local discount theater.

If you have to, you can make drastic changes, but there are many ways to save small amounts that add up overall.