Some of these might have already been mentioned but I though I would share them anyway:

- Draw up a meal plan for the week. Check the pantry for what you already have and write a list for what you need. Shop only for what is on the list.

- Set aside an amount each week to buy bulk products. If the supermarket has toilet paper/laundry powder/dishwashing tablets etc on sale then you can buy up and put them away for when you need them (DH and I have enough washing powder to last us 12 months).

- Throw a $5 or $10 voucher in with the shopping every week - you save them up over a year and then you will have christmas dinner more than covered!

- Use a clothes airer and the clothesline for everything - only use the drier when it is completely necessary!!

- Call your electricity company and ask them about peak/off peak times. It takes a while getting used to turning on the dishwasher/washing machine after 10pm but we save around $30 a quarter by doing it this way.

- Get a mobile plan for you and DP that allows you free calls to each other. In 2 years I have never paid a cent to text or call DH.

- Set up a high interest savings account that direct debits from your normal account. We have an account with Bankwest that currently has a 7.75% interest rate with no minimum deposit. It automatically direct debits from our transactional account. Instead of deciding whether we should put away a certain amount each week - it takes it regardless and if there are no funds in there - it takes it anyway (you are not locked into anything - you can cancel the dd anytime). Great way to save as it is automatic. Pay yourself first!

- Make your lunch for work. The cost of bread, salads, cold meats and cheese for a week is usally the cost of 2 bought lunches. Chuck in a yogurt and an apple as well as a bottle of water and there is no need to buy lunch!

- Get a debit card (doesn't have to have an overdraft). This means you can press the "credit" button for everything and you won't pay anymore EFTPOS fees (usually around $2 per transaction I think).

- Pay a little extra per week on your mortgage - even if it is only $10 a week. It will help when the interest rates go up and also if you can't make a payment.

- Buy toiletries/pharmacuticals online through websites such as Pharmacy Direct. We save around $40 a month on these items (pain relief, pads, tampons, razors, deoderants, makeup etc.) They also ship for free if you spend over $50. We shop for these items on a monthly basis.

- Make sure you have some "entertainment" or "play" money put aside each week to do something you enjoy. My DH and I are movie buffs and we have a collection of over 1000 dvd's (not even kidding)! We never pay more than $10 per DVD because we buy ex-rental. When money is tight we have a whole library to choose from!

- Love each other to the ends of the earth and remember why you have a mortgage - to build a firm foundation for your lives. Financial issues are the #1 reason for divorce so try and stay positive when things get tight!!