Avoid Dry Clean Only items. If you want to eat out at an expensive restaurant for a special treat, go for lunch rather than dinner. The menu is often the same, but prices are often half. Check for free concerts, plays and other live entertainment at local parks. Get free video rentals at the library.
Plan menus ahead of time.
Base your menus on the sale items at your grocery store, and always shop exclusively from a list. Bring snacks, lunches and beverages from home. At mealtimes, serve each person one glass of milk or juice. Then any additional servings can be plain water. If you really want to save money, drink water only.