* If your employer provides a group health insurance plan, participate in that.  If you have to shop around for your own insurance, look for a plan that covers 80 percent of your medical bills.  Prevent illness as much as possible by taking care of your health, such as by regularly exercising and eating a nutritious diet.

* Carry only the homeowner's insurance you need - covering about 90 percent of your home's value (minus your land).  Be sure to carry full replacement value on your personal property.  Remember that you need to insure your personal property even if you're renting, so shop for a tenant's policy.

* Obtain automobile insurance estimates from at least three companies.  Choose high deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage.  Also buy liability coverage, and the maximum amount of medical coverage.  Know that companies offer many kinds of discounts (such as for anti-theft devices and safe driving).  Ask for them.  If you have young drivers that are expensive to insure, list them as the primary drivers on an older vehicle instead of your most expensive car.  Ask them to pay part or all of their own insurance premiums.

* Shop at garage sales.  Use a local map and list of upcoming garage sales to plan a route before you head out.  Don't buy things you don't need, no matter how cheap they are.  Make sure every item is in good, working order before buying it.  Look for newlywed sales and estate sales for special bargains.  Set a monthly budget for garage sale spending and stick to it.