In today's sometimes too tough war-time economies round the globe, dollar stretchers can sure come in handy. Try these tips on for size.

A) Cut back on your household spending. Check with your utilities to see about getting set up on budget plans, turning down thermostats a couple of degrees, unplugging unneeded electrical items, using much less water and more. Shop for no-name brands at the grocers, buy in bulk and split packages when you return home, freezing plenty for later and storing canned goods in the basement. Clip coupons and use them, even for entertainment like dining out and a night at the movies with a matinee instead of evening showing at higher prices.

B) Head online to start a moonlighting or part time business to earn some extra income. There are plenty of ways to make money selling services or products, even those of someone else, online.

C) Sell! Head to eBay and learn what they have to offer there. You can start by selling old junk from your home and homes of your friends, neighbors, relatives, etc. Then check out what eBay stores are popular, setting one up yourself to earn some bucks. Go for it! They have tutorials, helpful forums where you can meet other sellers and plenty of tools in affordable budget ranges.

D) Team up and car pool, at least with your spouse, when you can. Instead of running around spending money on movies and dinner one afternoon and evening, for example, plan to team up for grocery shopping and other errands. It the library together and check out videos and DVDs for the weekend, while you're at it.

E) Instead of blindly making doctor and vet appointments, try home remedies for you and Fido first. Animals can often take over-the-counter medications, too. So check with a good vet book at the library and check with home remedy books and ebooks online for people. You can save hundreds of dollars per visit.

F) Always check your store receipts and financial (bank and credit card) statements. Especially with store receipts, you can save a bundle in errors you find every year. Never leave a store without checking your receipt first: make that a new family rule.

G) Apply for overdraft protection on your checking account to avoid high penalties for going over your limit. Fees can be very costly today, and so can bounced checks.