You didn’t have to look too far this last week to read or even hear experts talking about the likelihood of a recession and how you can weather it. Just about every news station, local and national, had at least one feature story about ways to cut your debt and spending.

One site I really like to check out is Yahoo Finance. Today they had a great article by Marshall Loeb about where to find the best coupons online. Clipping coupons has always been popular but it looks like it’s going to get even more popular now. According to Loeb the best site is www.couponmountain.com for it’s easy navigation features and the fact you don’t need to register. That’s one feature I definitely like. I sometimes skip a site if they want too much information from you. Hey, just give me the coupons will you!

I redeemed my Bag of Dreams promotion coupons from my local supermarket for a $20 gift certificate. I decided to buy a few extra items to stock the freezer and pantry. I shopped on Wednesday and I know this is supposed to be the slowest day for the grocery industry, but I seemed to be the only person shopping there. At first I thought they were closed for stock taking or something, and I’d managed to get in there by mistake. But no, they were open, and until I got to the check out I didn’t seem another customer. Have people stopped buying groceries or what? As business was slow, I got talking to the cashier as I was packing my groceries. She was telling me most people get a shock when they see the total of their grocery bill these days. Another good reason to use those coupons.

Another way to make shopping cheaper is to use rebates. I bought a package of the new Morningstar Farm Teriyaki Burgers and they’re offering a $10 prepaid debit card if you’re willing to take a survey about the burgers. I logged on but the site wanted a password that was supposedly on the coupon, but I can’t find it. I’ve e-mailed them and will hopefully get the proper code.

I keep meaning to put this in the blog, but then forget all about it…so this week I put the magazine beside my computer. Last year I subscribed for the first time to Money magazine. I’d seen it at the checkout lots of time but really thought its target readership was people who wanted to invest in stocks and buy million dollar houses, but was I wrong. It’s one of the best magazines for anything related to money and finances. If you haven’t picked up a copy yet, I encourage you to check it out.

For money saving tips visit www.gardenandhearth.com/Bargain-Shopping.htm and www.gardenandhearth.com/EatingWellonaBudget.htm