Times are tough. No one in my circle of friends and relatives has been left unaffected by the economic woes. However, thanks to cleaver tips, tricks, and ideas, we have been able to work together to make ends meet and chop away at debt. Here are the best ways I have found to save some serious money in the kitchen this month.

5. Clip coupons: You have heard it once, if you have heard it a thousand times. However, this one tip saves so much money. On each trip to the grocery store I save about $20.00. It only takes about 20 minutes every Sunday to flip through the coupons. I decide which ones I can use, cut them out and store them in a small photo flip book I keep in my purse at all times. Think of it this way, clipping coupons is the equivalent to working a job that pays $60.00 per hour.

4. Shop stores that price match. Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Staples, will match all their competitors sales prices, and coupons (Buy one get one is generally not included in matching, but check with each store). Some will even throw in an additional 10% off the difference to make sure they get the sale. This method is beneficial to save a ton in gas, and time, something that isn't reflected on a printed receipt.

3. Make a List, check it twice, and for goodness sake, STICK TO IT! Loading carts with carbs, high sugar foods, and convenience meals isn't healthy for your families, your wallet or your waist! Purchase foods from the outside edges of grocery stores. If you are strapped for time, as most of us are, then buy pre-cut foods like celery, carrots, and apples. Purchase foods with whole grains, and you won't need to buy as much. Foods rich in fiber will fill you up faster and last longer than that Little Debbie snack foods. Nuts, dried fruits, Go-gurts, and Multi-Grain Tostito's are perfect snack solutions that are easy on the budget. Sticking to your list will save you $30.00 or more per shopping trip.

2. Skip eating out more than once or twice a week. I know, you don't have time/energy to cook. So don't. Purchase a Crock-Pot, or a Dutch Oven, and make it do the cooking for you. Store bought French bread and bagged salads will complete any meal, and the cost per serving is still less than a dollar per person. Here is a small list of what you can cook while you are at work. Recipes are available on-line through various cooking sites.

A. Stew

B. Spaghetti

C. Whole chicken and veggies

D. Minestrone Soup

E. Pot-Roast

1. Make your own "to-go" foods.

A. Instant Oatmeal. In a large bowl combine 3 cups of instant oatmeal (buy the biggest container and save the most money), 1/2 cup dried fruit of choice (optional), 1/2 cup of walnuts, or almonds (optional) 1/2 cup of dehydrated non-fat milk, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons cinnamon. Scoop 1/2 cup servings into zipper baggies. Add 1/4 cup of boiling water and stir to serve. Makes 7 servings.

B. Frozen sandwiches. Smear peanut butter, or almond butter for those with allergies, on two slices of whole wheat bread. Spread jelly of choice in the center of the bread only, about half-inch from the edges. Use a cookie cutter, or purchase a sandwich cutter from Pampered Chef. Freeze four sandwiches at a time on a cookie sheet until frozen through to avoid smashing the sandwiches. Once totally frozen, wrap with plastic wrap, and re-freeze. Do not allow to thaw during the transfer process.

C. When you cook a meal, make two. One to eat the night it is prepared, and the other to be heated when you are too frazzled to cook. Other variations of this are to cook an entire 3 pound package of hamburger with taco seasoning, or Italian seasoning and after it is browned, divide into three parts, one to eat now and the other two parts to freeze in freezer bags. You can cook ahead and freeze chicken, chopped pork, beef, and venison.

D. Use an air popper to make several cups of popcorn and season with garlic salt and parmesan cheese. Divide into small zip lock bags for lunches instead of high-fat chips.

E. Avoid the drive through espresso shops. Sure they are easy and quick, but the cost of your double-shot-latte with light-foam is going to cost you on average $75.00 per month. Purchase Organic and Fair Trade certified coffee, like Nectar of Life Coffee Company's French Roast, and brew strong coffee at home. If you must have steamed milk, then purchase a $10.00 frothing wand from Target, Wal-Mart, or other mass retailers. If you think you will have trouble mimicking the flavors you love, that isn't an issue either. Vanilla, Hazelnut, and Carmel are all available in syrup form from the above-mentioned retailers. You can find them in clear glass containers on the coffee aisle. Brewing your own drinks, and purchasing organic coffee will save you $60.00 per month alone. It is well worth the work.

Cutting back may seem like a lot of work. These small changes make a big impact if they can be maintained long-term. However, I have found both my waist and my wallet are much healthier.