Regarding saving $ on electronics--specifically saving on long distance calls:  Keep in mind that in order to use Skype, even the free PC-to-PC way, you still have to purchase a computer (minimum $500), a hi-speed internet connection ($25+) and a headset/USB phone ($20).

Also, I checked out the Magicjack site--The $39.95 is for the device and ONE year of service; right now they say additional year subscriptions are 19.95/year, so it's not just a one-time fee.

Switching to voip only or cell only for phone service also prevents you from accepting collect calls (not as common now as they were, but still something to think about).

More importantly, many of these new phone services cannot accurately pinpoint your location for 911 purposes.

Now, I DESPISE the Death Star (AT&T), so I am not trying to put down these other services.  Maybe, though, trim your local phone service to the absolute basic minimum available, use your cell for long distance, use Skype to call geeks like me who are always on their computers, and plan out your communications like that.

I often find myself trying to recommend certain services to friends & family, but sometimes it almost sounds like "If you spend $1000 on a fancy PC & some phone equipment, you can save TEN DOLLARS A MONTH on long distance phone calls"...but if you're talking to your grandparents who spend $1.25 per month on long distance, it sounds kinda silly...

I was able to fund 2 Roth IRA's (one for hubby and one for myself) fully at $4000 each last year in part due to hotcouponworld.com. I am on the site at least daily and most of the times, the deals are spelled out for you. I watch the deals, gather my coupons and STOCK UP! We have not run out of toilet paper or shampoo in years at this house and my kids know better than to ask for a cereal that is not on sale and that I do not have a coupon for!

Here's to funding my 2008 Roth IRA for both hubby and I! I am already at over $1100 since January.

This is great!  I also agree that Hot Coupon World is an awesome site.  Without them, I would not be able to feed my family of four plus two dogs for under $800 a year...yes per year!

Thanks so much for this article!  I've been a follower of  Sara and Michael's blog since its early days and I can tell you that they definitely practice what they preach!  It is full of great information.

I am also one of the 1,100 + frugal living bloggers out there and I truly appreciate it when the national media notices our quest for a better life for less money.  Frugality is a lifestyle choice that's not just good for our pocketbooks, but good for our families, environment, and economy.

Christina

northerncheapskate.com

As one of the owners of Hotcouponworld.com, I'd like to thank Newsweek for providing the link to your readers.  We're helping thousands of people trim money off their grocery bills by taking the guesswork out of coupon shopping.  Recession-proofing your pantry by using coupons and matching sales is the smartest thing a shopper can do these days.  It's the one cost we all incur, and it's the easiest one to control if you're smart about it.

My own personal annual coupon savings is $11,000 a year for a family of five.  That savings goes a long way towards funding retirement accounts, family vacations, and paying down bills.  Hotcouponworld has more than just saving on food....you can learn about saving on every type of purchase you make.  For those who do want to get away from more processed goods, then Organic Grocery Deals offers a similar approach for those who want to coupon and live a green lifestyle.

As a long subscriber of Newsweek - thanks for getting the word out and helping new viewers find ways to stay afloat in these tough economic times!

Julie aka Hotcouponmama

I use Mary Webber's book The frugal family's Kitchen Book often for quick, easy-on-the-budget ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner. http://frugalfamilykitchen.com/