Do you have creative ways to cut costs? Send your ideas to magazine@post-gazette.com.

Please include your name and municipality or city neighborhood in which you live, and put "Recession" in the subject line.

Turn power strips off when going on an extended trip; they use the same amount of electricity as leaving a light on.

Use a lot of coasting and gradual acceleration with driving -- take your time!

-- Patrick, Beaver Falls

If using a dishwasher, turn it off after the rinse cycle and dry your dishes with a towel.

-- Joan, Pittsburgh

Learn how to budget your money so that your basic needs are met first and that you don't live beyond your means -- the money leftover after your basic needs are met. Here are some budgeting tips:

• Get rid of your ATM card and withdraw only the money you have left over upon receiving a paycheck.

• Carry only the amount of cash that you can spend (left over after basic needs are met).

• Get rid of your credit cards (keep one only for emergency purposes).

• Avoid vending machines at work, malls, etc.

-- Michael M. Bierce, Brighton Heights

Brown bag lunch and skip the fancy coffee shops. That should cut $40+ off your expenses per week. Check out Thurday's Post-Gazette entertainment section and find all sorts of free entertainment in the area instead of paying to see a movie (which you just might not like).

-- Helen C. March, Glassport

A lot of televisions are on for background noise, it seems. Take a walk around your house or apartment and turn them off. The same goes for lights. Use compact flourscent lights where you can. The price of these have come down, but the bulbs last a couple of years each, require less electricity in terms of watts used and generate less heat.

-- PG Web staff