When we want to eat out, we eat a hot dog at Costco. A bottle of liquid starch is a LOT cheaper than spray -- mix some up and put it into a spray bottle (just remember to keep the mixed starch in the refrigerator). Turn off/unplug dvd/cd players and tvs when not in use -- even plugged in most of these still draw power. I find that some of the stuff at Costco is cheaper than a regular grocery store -- even if it goes bad before I use it all. I buy name brand stuff at WalMart. Combine trips as much as possible -- when we go to the doctor's we also hit the shops that are nearby. Unplug the microwave when not in use -- also the coffee maker if it has a clock. If you live in an area where off prime electricity is cheaper than during the day, plan to wash clothes and dishes during those hours. If you have to replace the hotwater heater, get a tankless (we saved 1/2 of our electric bill by doing this).