It’s November, which means it’s a few short weeks before the holidays are in full swing and you know what that means… our consumer driven society gets all whipped up into a fervor and we spend like mad on gifts (I personally see nothing wrong with that!). This year it’s a little different though, the economy has people really concerned about their financial future and it now makes sense to prepare for the holiday spending by saving for the future while there’s still time left.

Cook your own meals: The number one tip, echoed almost anywhere you look, is to cook your own meals. Cooking is a fun way to reduce your costs, provide entertainment, and eat healthier. Eat less meat: Veggies are cheap per pound compared to meat, so try going with a heavier vegetable diet. If you like meat, skip beef and go more often with chicken and pork. Pork isn’t as healthy as beef but chicken is a pretty good option.