Soup. Soup is inexpensive, easy to make, healthy,
and comforting. We always have a big pot of soup
in the fridge, or frozen into heat and serve
portions. Some of our favorites are actually
sneaky ways to get more vegetables in our diets.
Add a grilled cheese sandwich or a nice hunk of
bread and butter, and you've got a rich, satisfy-
ing meal that didn't break your bank.

Walk. Combine excersise and fuel economy. Bundle
up if it's cold where you live right now, and get
outside. You'd be surprised how far two feet and
a grocery cart will take you.

Wear it again. Does it really need to be washed, or
is it easier to throw it in the hamper than it is
to hang it in the closet? You'd be surprised how
much laundry we do without needing to. Do you dry
clean your suits after one wear? I don't know anyone
who does. So unless you're baking your Christmas
cookies, doing yard work, or otherwise getting filthy,
think about it before you throw your clothes in the
dirty clothes pile.

Swap. Got a day off? Take a friend's kids to the park,
and then drop yours off on another day. Saves on day-
care/babysitting. Join a babysitting co-op and trade
time with other families, not money.

Free stuff. I am fortunate to live in a city where
the majority of the museums are free to all; but I
would hope there might be some free events around
your home town, too, especially with the festivities
this month. Scout your local newspaper for good
ideas.

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