This economy, I tell ya, it's tough. Everyone is feeling it, and I mean EVERYONE. Why, just today I came across these money-saving tips from some bankers and their wives. "Both bankers and their once free-spending wives are suddenly becoming familiar with the art of thriftiness," the article reads. DO TELL! "This is what they have imparted. We hope it is of use."

Oh man. I cannot wait to read these frugal living tips from the bankers and their wives. This is going to be good.  

I have a bit of a confession to make, and I'm already anticipating most of you gasping in horror at what I'm about to tell you -- but I'm going to spill the beans anyway.

I don't use nor stick to any sort of budget when it comes to my personal finances. I don't balance my checkbook and never have. I don't have a set amount put aside each month for "fun money," disposable income, etc. And while I do add to my savings account on a regular basis, I don't have a set percentage of my paycheck that has to go in there each and every single time.

I pay my bills on time, buy gas, groceries, and other necessary household items, and whatever is left over is great and I'll spend it as I see fit.

Meet the Wagasky’s, the Las Vegas family of four that lives debt-free on (wait for it) $14,000 a year. That’s just over a thousand bucks a month, folks. A scratch under $270 a week. I hate to say it, but I don’t think that even covers our grocery bill. But dad Jason and mom Danielle have found a way to make it work, and they say it makes them “happier” and “a better family.”

The frugal lifestyle began out of necessity in 2008 when Jason, a former Army sergeant, was stationed in Iraq. Danielle was left managing the home, two kids (Keigan and Libby), and the budget.

How far would you go to save a few bucks? Most of us these days would go pretty far, but probably not as far as Keeley Newstead. She's been dubbed "Britain's Thriftiest Mum", and does some extreme things to save money -- and I mean extreme.

According to an article in the Daily Star, the 37-year-old mother of two says her way of living is necessary so that she and her husband, who is currently only working part-time, don't go into debt or have to rely on credit cards. So from using tea bags three times to rationing toilet paper (six sheets per use!), she has found some creative -- and perhaps not entirely ethical -- ways to save.

Why does it feel like everyone is broke this time of year? Is it because we just got done paying off the holiday bills? Or are we all really broke? Whatever the reason, now is as good a time as any to start saving money.

Oh, but you've tried that and it never works? Folks, I promise you that it's possible. If you really want to save money, you just have to be a little creative. Just check out these creative ideas that are guaranteed to keep the cash in your wallet:

When it comes to saving money, the easiest way is to just cut things out of your budget. Lots of lattes, dinners out, and vacations maybe painful to part with, but sometimes necessary to do so for your financial health. But there are some things you simply cannot do without, and finding ways to save on them can really add up in the long run.

Often it's just little shifts that make a big difference. Sometimes in our busy lives, we get stuck in our habits, and often those habits aren't so economical. So here are five little changes you can make to save big on household must-haves.

Today marks the beginning of Military Saves Week, a seven-day initiative to remind and encourage military families, officers, and personnel to save money and "build wealth, not debt." From February 25 to March 2, Military Saves, a social marketing campaign, wants to persuade and motivate those in the armed forces community to put away a little each month and get aggressive about automatic savings plans. There's also an online pledge component, which commits one to saving money, reducing debt, and building wealth over time.

Sounds easy enough, right? Here are 5 tips for saving money every month.

If you're feeling the pinch this year, you're not alone. With the struggling economy and high unemployment rate, most of us are watching our sad, sad, empty wallets even closer this season. The gifts, the travel, the feasting -- it all adds up pretty quickly. That's why we gotta keep our eye on the prize, and our bank accounts, and follow some simple tips for saving money during the holidays. So! Here are 10 ways to do so.