ENTERTAINMENT ON A TIGHT BUDGET

Given the economic downturn, the first way many people look to save money is to cut out entertainment expenses. But having no entertainment options can mean bored kids and adults.

A better way to cut back is to find creative ways to do the things you enjoy for free. For instance, if you are a theater buff, consider becoming an usher. Typically a volunteer position, you lead the audience to their seats and hand out playbills. Once the show begins, you get to watch the performance for free.

Like movies? You can get a part time job as a movie theater usher. Paid to watch movies? Not a bad deal.

Like museums, botanical gardens, or the zoo? All have volunteer positions allowing you to give back to your community and the added freedom to explore your favorite places.

Family activities include volunteering at fun or charity runs to hand out water, park clean-ups, and Habitat for Humanity. Other free activities include farmers markets, free concerts in the park, art fairs, and free outdoor movies.

Make sure to check out local neighborhood newspapers, your local library, and the internet sites for your city hall and visitor bureau for continuous updates of activities in your area.

Saving on Lingerie

As we all know, this isn't an easy area to save in.

First, you need to figure out what brands you like. You need to determine if you can mix and match, or if you are strictly a matching bra and panty kind of girl. Then, check out your favorite stores. Notice the lingerie brands they carry. Did they have a clearance section? If so, stop by every time you shop there - even if you don't think you need any lingerie items at the time.

That’s because the key to scoring good deals is to always be on the lookout. You never know when you will strike gold and hit a big sale.

Case in point - I wear the Victoria Secret and Wonder bra brands primarily. I know Kohl's Department Stores carry the Wonder bra brand. I know they have sales periodically, they have a great clearance rack, and different stores will have different selections. It’s a little more difficult with Victoria's Secret since they have a very small selection available in their daily clearance rack. However, make it to one of their semi-annual sales and you can get some great buys.

In addition, I always check out store clearance racks for reduced prices on underwear. I have been known to score Wonder bra panties for $1.70. The same discounted lingerie hunt can be done at T.J. Maxx, Marshall's and sometimes even Stein Mart and Loehmann's.

Good luck and happy hunting!