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Are you feeling overwhelmed with the high cost of living these days? If you think it is impossible to cut back any more than you already have think again. Here are 30 different tips to cut expenses. Even if you followed a few of them you could find that it is possible to make your money go further.

1 Save on energy costs - use power-saving CFL lights, monitor and change your thermostat’s temperature as required during daytime and night and don’t leave lights/appliances on when you don’t require them.

2. Go for a matinee show on weekdays. Avoid weekends.

3. Want to spend some time with friends? Instead of going out have a fun night of coffee, cards and good conversation.

4. Take your lunch to work more often. Your savings will really add up!

5. Use public transportation or a carpool.

6. Go generic on prescription and over the counter drugs whenever possible.

7. Use coupons while shopping at grocery stores, and always shop according to a list. Preferably shop on double-coupon days. Maybe, you can buy supplies from bulk food warehouses.

8. If you make a lot of long distance calls then it may pay to go with a plan that offers free long distance. Otherwise, limit calls to nights and weekends when rates are normally cheaper.

9. Start saving your spare change. You will be surprised at how fast it adds up.

10. Buy clothing off season and never pay full price. Often what you find at one store full price will offer something similar on sale.

11. If you smoke quit! Not only will you save a ton of money but your health will greatly improve.

12. Save water - keep your showers short.

13. Don’t waste money on a gym - instead, jog, walk, workout at home or cycle.

14. Maintain your car yourself - i.e., do basic stuff like changing the oil, washing it, etc.

15. Shop in discount stores - even Warren Buffet does that!

16. Do you have high interest credit cards? Consider refinancing or making power payments each month (making more than the minimum payments).

17. Keep your pantry stocked with ingredients for quick meals that your family enjoys. This will keep you from ordering a pizza on those evenings that you just don’t know what to make.

18. Always bargain at shops and look at a few options before making a purchase. If you’re buying fancy stuff like jewelry, buy it from a pawn shop.

19. Is rent high where you live? consider getting a roommate or move if you have to.

20. Check out Freecycle.org for getting free stuff or getting rid of things that you don’t use. Many communities have their own chapter.

21. Stick with the cheapest cable plan you can get. Check your local library to borrow video tapes and dvds for free.

22. We all like to splurge once in a while on things like manicures but if are trying to save money consider doing this yourself.

23. Start a savings account just for emergencies. Start small like $5.00 per week.

24. Dry cleaning can eat up a large portion of your monthly budget. Try to add more items to your wardrobe that you can wash yourself.

25. See if you can get a better price on insurance. Some companies will give you a deal if you carry all your policies (car, homeowners, etc) through them.

26. Drink more water. Sugary soft drinks should be an occasional treat instead of an everyday staple.

27. Have a yard sale. Not only will you make some extra cash but you will also get rid of excess clutter.

28. Always pay your bills on time. Late fees can really eat up your budget.

29. Consider planting a garden. Produce such as zucchini can be shredded and frozen for future recipes. Find information at your local library online on how to get started.

30. If there is some luxury that you can not live without then by all means try to figure it into your budget once in a while. We all deserve a little luxury in our lives!

These are just a few tips to help you stretch your budget. You might even come up with a few of your own!