A recent Associated Press report takes a look at the various strategies people can use to cut back on their spending habits during the current recession.

Among the many suggestions in the report are to closely examine credit card statements and other receipts to get a better idea exactly where your money is going. In some cases, people can save considerable amounts by watching out for excessive bank and ATM fees and working that concern into their money managing strategy.

Several personal finance experts offered their advise for the AP report. Other pointers included cutting out bottled water, shopping in warehouse stores for nonperishable type items, buying private label brands, and learning how to cook instead of eating at restaurants as much.

Another good source of savings can be membership discounts offered by groups like AAA, as well as other groups and business organizations. Other discounts may be available on websites such as your credit company's.

"Don't fall into the mind-set that 'We're doing all we can already.' Everybody has fat in their budget. Question why you're doing what you're doing," Eric Tyson, author of Personal Finance for Dummies, told the AP.



http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h0bmyqNfN2l18vC3wkcp5Y6c1ESQD95SBEJO0

-----------------------------------------------------------------------