To protect yourself against identity theft, it is a good safety measure to change your important passwords and PIN numbers every 6 months (at least). Most financial institutions will allow you to change them online.

Check out consignment and thrift stores for lightly-used items. You’ll be surprised at the variety of name brand goods, and who knows…you might find a vintage masterpiece!

Give kids a clothing allowance or offer "matching funds" for what they want to buy

Hold a clothing swap with friends

Avoid dry-clean-only clothing

Inventory your wardrobe and buy pieces that work with what you already own

Find out what looks good on you and stick to classic styles that won't look weird next season

Monitor insurance claims to make sure they get paid

Always carefully review hospital bills for errors

Use urgent-care clinics rather than emergency rooms whenever possible

Make sure you got proper tax credit for last year's retirement contributions if your adjusted gross income was under $25,000 (for singles) or $50,000 (for couples). The retirement tax credit of up to $1,000 for lower earners is one of the most overlooked tax breaks. If you deserved this break but didn't take it, it's worth amending your return!

Suspend contributions to annuities and other accounts that don't offer matching funds or tax breaks

If you have a long-term disability policy, investigate the savings if you opt for a longer waiting period to reduce premiums (if you have an emergency fund or other income to bridge the gap)

Consider "refinancing" your term life insurance; rates have dropped in the past decade so you might be able to qualify for a lower premium

Use the weekly grocery store circulars to see what's on sale and plan meals accordingly