Clipping coupons, looking for bargains and buying used isn't new for me. It's the way I've always lived.

The only difference now is because of tough times, it has become trendy to be frugal. My brother-in-law Bill, is well known for being, well, cheap. He says always cut costs that don't affect your lifestyle.

Listed below are 9 ways I save money. I hope you will share your money saving tips.

1. Use shopping bags to line trash cans.
2. Recycle wrapping paper and gift bags.
3. Make your own cards instead of buying them. If you have kids, have them make their
cards too.
4. Going out for the evening - eat at home and instead buy a dessert or a drink.
5. Those big black plugs are energy hogs - unplug them when not in use or you are paying for absolutely nothing.
6. Some insurance companies reduce rates for good behavior - loosing weight, quit smoking, working out. Ask.
7. If you frequently patronize one store, ask if they have a rewards credit card that gives money back.
8. Get rid of your land line. Skype is a computer phone and it's free.
9. Audit your bills frequently. Ask if you can negotiate a lower rate or see if it is something you can do yourself, such as spraying for pests.

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With GOOG.411, you will never again drive around looking for a business. Google started this free service in April of 2008 and it works great.

Dial 1.800.GOOG.411 and after a couple of questions, such as what city and state, you will be connected to the business. Watch the video to get the whole scoop.

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Michaela Paige is only 13, but the west Boca girl is South Florida's answer to Celine Dion.
This video does not do her voice justice, but take a listen. She is shown performing
at The Colony Hotel on the porch (one of my favorite places) in Delray Beach accompanied by Rico.

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Despite Bernie Madoff's 150-year sentence, those he swindled received a far harsher sentence than he did.

Madoff is assured of three squares a day, a roof over his head and medications. He will never have to worry if he can afford to pay a utility bill, pay for a prescription or heat or cool his dwelling.

Some of his victims were very rich and have at least some others assets, but others were middle class and lost everything. Financial recovery is nearly impossible for those who are retirement age or elderly.

Because many charitable organizations invested with him, we'll never know for sure how many people he hurt or devastated.

Madoff's wife, Ruth, recently agreed to give up any claim to $80 million worth of assets so she could keep $2.5 million in cash the couple had (stole would be a better word.)

Instead of jail, why not let the Madoff's live the life many of their victims now have?

Let them find a decent place to live on with their meager Social Security income and buy their groceries with food stamps. Decide which medications they can no longer afford - Medicare does not pay for prescriptions.

Allow them to experience the horror of picking up mail that is filled with bills that are impossible to pay and calls from nasty bill collectors.

In other words - worry how to survive every day. Seems like a better punishment to me. Perhaps, if future Madoffs, know they will inherit the financial ruin they so cavalierly create for others, it will cause them to reconsider, although probably not.

What do you think?

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