Just remember that sales and coupons are only good if you normally buy those items.

Sometimes, coupons for brand name items don't reduce the price below store brands that are just as good.

Check local store web sites for sales and coupons.

Cooking at Home

The best part of cooking at home is enjoying the result.

Matthew, 13, says, “Bake cookies at home instead of having your family buy them at the grocery store. They taste better, too!”

Here are some cooking tips that help save on energy costs in the kitchen:

• Let food cool off before putting it into the fridge;    
• Use the microwave instead of the oven;    
• Make sure the dishwasher is full before starting it.

City governments often hold free fairs, concerts, or movies in parks.

Some businesses give free tours—and even free samples!

Consider organizing a "cleanup party" at a local park or play area.

Camp out in the backyard.

Lead a family bike tour or scavenger hunt.

Mary Gail, a mom, says, “My son wanted to have a birthday party this year for his friends."

She looked into going to a laser tag place, bowling or even mini-golf for a group of 12. "Wow! $15 to $20 per person" says Mary Gail.

"We ended up having an old-fashioned picnic party in our back yard," she says. They:

• Did hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill;
• Played badminton, croquet, and bean bag toss;
• Had a water balloon fight;
• Made s'mores;
• Played ghost-in-the-graveyard with glow sticks.

"Several of our son's friends told him it was the best birthday party ever!” says Mary Gail.