Slash Monthly Bills
With a few calls and a little research, chopping your routine expenses is easy.

• At the gym: Consider swapping your pricey gym membership for a lower-cost one, such as the local YMCA. Save more by lacing up your running or walking shoes or dusting off your bike and burning calories outdoors. Afraid you'll miss the group-class camaraderie? Recruit a walking buddy, join a local cycling or running club, or do workout DVDs at home.

• Your cell phone: "If your contract is up, think twice when offered a free phone upgrade that's attached to a two-year plan," says Kamenetz. "It may be cheaper to switch to a different plan or a prepaid phone." You can further shrink your monthly bill by giving up text messaging, three-way calling and/or insurance for a few months and when you need info in a flash, dial no-cost directory assistance (1-800-free411).

• Cable: Paying for the full menu of movie channels? Push monthly expenses lower by changing to basic cable or cutting it entirely for summer. Kamenetz's tip: Watch TV and movies gratis at Hulu.com.