I recently went for almost two years without paying money for shampoo or toothpaste. In the fall of 2007, before the word "recession" was an excuse for almost all behavior, I went on a kick to save money on groceries and toiletries. I quickly found a list of websites that told me which local stores had the lowest promotional prices on specific items, and also which circulars contained coupons on those some items, so that I could combine coupons with specials.

Tonight I thought of two random money-saving ideas that I would like to pass along.

I like to read internet message boards. It's my trashy pleasure. I started out by reading money management boards. I learned how to use coupons effectively and reduce my grocery bill, but then I stopped reading those kinds of boards.Now I just read the ones that don't have much redeeming value. I don't watch television (Jonathan and I canceled the cable last month because we haven't turned on our television in months) or read People magazine. I haven't really followed much of the Michael Jackson death coverage. No, instead I like to unwind by reading about the opinions of total strangers.