Looking and hearing about the current economic situation today, seems like it’s going down south, and pretty rapidly. We are just waiting for the federal government to declare recession officially. Hearing about the government plan, situation looks like loose loose for a regular household in America.

In such a situation, there are some changes that you can make in your day to day life to make it easy on you, financially.

• Stop using the credit cards. Keep cash with you. If you are used to credit cards, this sounds daunting, and impossible to do, but try it a few days in the beginning. You will feel pretty comfortable using the cash, and find yourself saving some green in the long run.
•  Try using “pay-as-you-go” plan on your cell phone. This will keep you from making lots of long distance calling, and keep you on your toes.
•  Avoid driving. Take the public transportation services, or walk or bicycle. This will help you physically and financially.
• Do not wear brand name clothes, shoes or any other accessories. Quality does not mean buying expensive clothes. Even if you wish to buy brand names, look out for sales and discounts regularly. Check out local brochures and fliers. 
•  When going grocery shopping, make a list. Buy everything all at once, instead of making multiple rounds to the grocery stores, in case you forget to buy something.
• If you do not watch lot of TV, but have cable, get it disconnected. If you like watching movies once in a while, you can visit blockbuster videos or Netflix to get the movies delivered.
• Shop online, buy used stuff if you just have to beautify your place, or something that you won’t be using for long time. Check out your local classifieds, like craigslist.com or khrido.com

These are some of the very few things that you can do to save in the long term. If you make these habits, you will find yourself at a good place, physically, mentally and financially.