1. Share a room - For most Americans, their number one expense (after taxes) is their housing cost. If you are single and living in a two bedroom place, consider renting one of the rooms out or getting a roommate to help you split the costs. Not only do you save on rent or get a subsidized mortgage, you also split utilities.



2. Share a car - If you and your wife or girlfriend or roommates can swing it, try getting rid of one of your cars. You will save money on insurance, registration, and maintenance. Plus, selling a car will put cash in your pocket.

3. Quit smoking - Although there are a million other reasons to quit smoking, maybe the cost will push you over the edge. Quit smoking because it costs too much, not because you aren't cool enough to smoke.

4. Don't get tempted by all the sales - I have seen some pretty incredible discounts offered for some of the stores that are going under. If you buy a new pair of shoes for $20 that was originally $80, how much are you saving? You aren't saving anything, you are spending!

5. Don't get tempted by the financing offers - No payments for 2 years on this new HDTV! How do you know if the economy will be back on track in two years? You don't, so avoid.

6. Turn your computer and TV off - Turn your computer off especially when you aren't using it. There is no reason to leave the darn thing on all the time.

7. Cancel your cable and internet - Let's face it, you don't need the TV or internet. Why not go outside and enjoy the fresh air? Cancel your cable and internet to save on the monthly subscription cost. If you need to watch something on TV, go to a friends, go to a sports bar, go to the gym, or skip watching it. See if you can get free wifi somewhere outside your house, or just use the internet at work.

8. Quit the gym - I don't mean stop working out, but exercising shouldn't cost you anything. Go jogging for cardio. Get some elastic bands for resistance training.

9. Compare alternatives - You might have a commute where you could drive, walk, ride your bike, take bus or train, and you don't know which is cheapest. Keep track of your gas bill or train fare, parking fees, and everything in a spreadsheet. Eventually you will be able to see which form of commuting is the cheapest. Put some variables and functions in your spreadsheet so you can see what happens if (when) gas prices go back up.

10. Keep track - Monitor your expenses closely so you can patch up any leaks.

Keep your expenses low and maximize your savings account, and you should be able to whether the storm.