In today's economy, it's more important than ever to make our money stretch as far as we can. Here are a few easy ways to save money:

• Because brand-name drugs are usually much more expensive than their generic equivalents, ask your physician and pharmacist for generic drugs when available and appropriate.
• Different pharmacies charge different prices for the same medications, so check the prices at several. Be aware that some pharmacies may offer very low prices on generic drugs and then charge higher prices on regular-priced ones to make up the difference.
• Keep track of items you use frequently in a small notebook that you keep with you, then stock up when the items are on sale.
• When a product's packaging changes, the net weight sometimes drops but the price stays the same. Check labels carefully.
• Watch for free health clinics and screenings. You can save a substantial amount of money and time by taking advantage of screenings for skin cancer, diabetes, blood pressure, and eyesight.
• Ask stores whether they can beat competitors' prices.
  
• Always ask the salesperson when an item you want will be on sale. Stores have a schedule for sales. Some stores will give you the sale price if you purchased the item within a week or two before a sale.
• A prepaid phone card often is cheaper than the per-minute charge on your regular phone.
• You can save about 10 percent of your water-heating costs for every 10 degrees F. that you lower the temperature of your water heater.
• If you have a dishwasher, save on your electric bill by turning it off before the drying cycle and opening the door to let dishes air-dry. Run the dishwasher only when it's completely full.
• Weigh fixed-price, prepacked bags of fruits, vegetables, and bread to find the heaviest bag. For example, a "3-pound" bag of apples may weigh slightly less than three pounds or nearly four pounds.
• Bigger isn't always cheaper. While some stores post the cost per ounce on the shelf below the item, others don't. Take a pocket calculator when you shop to quickly determine price per ounce. Sometimes a smaller quantity is actually cheaper.
• The two biggest money-makers for restaurants are desserts and alcohol. If you skip them, you can save many dollars.
• Weight lowers gas mileage, so empty your car trunk of everything except emergency equipment. Radial tires last longer and can save fuel. Keep tires inflated properly, as underinflated tires waste gas.

Keep track of your savings; you'll be surprised!