Savings tales: Life without credit or debt

"My family and I are on a mission not to use any of our credit cards. If we do not have the cash, we do not buy.

"Some of the things we are doing are:

• Eating at home more often. It's amazing what a pound of lean ground beef and a box of pasta can do. It goes a long way toward feeding a family of four, sometimes even six if I count both my sons-in-law.
• We go to the local grocery stores that have the DVD rentals and rent a movie for $1, and have movie night at home with microwave popcorn.
• When planning to eat out, look at your weekly paper and hometown fliers. Many local restaurants are sending coupons for deals like 'buy one entree, get second entree for free.'
• Also when eating out, check out the "early bird" specials and the times. My husband and I went to a local Italian restaurant on a Sunday before 6 p.m. and had a great meal for two for under $20."

-- Maria, Plantation, Fla.