As the holiday season comes to a close, if you are like all of us, than you are looking to the new year and thinking about more ways you can save money. Well, you know that we are a frugal group, so we’ve come up with a couple of interesting ways to save money – some you have probably thought of already and some that might just surprise you.

- Instead of going to the craft store every time your child needs supplies for a project, teach him or her creative ways to use things already in your home.

-Have breakfast or lunch with friends, or plan to eat in and all bring one dish to share with the group. Dinner out is almost always more expensive.

- Take you’re lunch to work instead of ordering in or going out.

- When eating out, drink tap water instead of coffee, tea, soda, or bottled water.

- Tell nearly everyone that you are going out of town this Christmas and will not return until after New Year’s Day. Then buy most of your gifts during the after-Christmas sales.

- Unplug all electronic devices in your house when they are not in use. This includes TVs, video game consoles, lights, cell phone chargers, Dust Busters, toasters etc.

- Teach your cats to use the toilet instead of spending a fortune on kitty litter.

- Cut your own hair.

- Instead of buying brand new books, cds, or movies, buy used or visit your local library.

- Walk around the block or run the track of your local high school rather than sign up for a gym membership.

- See theatrical events for free or reduced cost by volunteering as an usher or any other capacity for which they have a need.

- Shop for a home in the dead of winter when no one else wants to leave their current homes.

- Practice preventative care rather than waiting to get sick and incurring a large doctor or hospital bill.

- Get a free checking and savings account.

- Know your ATM fees and use whatever is included with your bank account.

- Save money on movies by looking for free showings in your area, hitting matinées instead of evening shows, and renting.

- Make a list and stick to it.

- Learn how to have a good time at home without going out and spending. Enjoy what you have right in front of you.