The bargain shopper's credo is 'Don't leave money on the table.' Still, it's hard to make sure you're getting the best deal without winding up buying a bunch of stuff you didn't actually need, just because it's on sale.

My favorite item on this list: Shopping consignment! My least favorite: Learning to haggle. Oh well. It's nice to have things to work on.

It's all well and good to put off buying an extra pair of shoes you don't need, but what are we supposed to do when even food costs a bazillion dollars? (Seriously, I think rice will outstrip gold on the commodities market by next month.)