There’s no denying it. Times are tough for a lot of people right now. Millions of Americans are unemployed, and countless others have had their hours and pay cut by companies struggling to make it in the current economy.

The loss of income has forced people who never thought they’d have to watch their spending do some belt-tightening. But if you’re smart about it, you won’t have to drastically change your lifestyle. A little money management can go a long way.

First and foremost, take advantage of the easy ways to save money. Eliminate all unnecessary expenses. For example, if you have both a cell phone and landline, consider using only one service. Or if you do have a landline, consider dropping the expensive long-distance calling option and only using a long-distance calling card.

Cutting back is also a good way to save money. It may be a ritual you’ve had for years, but if you spend $3 or $4 on a cup of java every morning, that amounts to $15 to $20 a week or $60 to $80 a month in unnecessary expense. According to the website CoffeeHabit.com, brewing a cup at home costs just 25 cents per cup. A home-brewed cup of specialty coffee ranges in price from 50 cents to 83 cents per cup, a far cry from the $3 or $4 you would spend at a coffee shop.

Another simple money saving technique is to shop smart at the grocery store. Food is one of the biggest expenses for most families, yet is one of the easiest places to trim your budget. Frugal grocery shopping can be an art – and with a little planning – can also be a lot of fun.

Here are five money saving ideas for the smart shopper:

1. Always go with a list and stick to it. Don’t buy anything not on the list.

2. Don’t shop when you’re hungry. You may fall into the trap of buying frozen dinners or junk food items, such as that bag of chips that wasn’t on your list.

3. When there’s a sale on non-perishable items, stock up. Sale items can be a great deal. If it’s an item you normally use, buy in quantity.

4. Try the store brands. They are often comparable to the name brands.

5. Use store savings cards. These can add up to big savings over the long run.

Removing extra expenses from your budget doesn’t necessarily require you to completely adjust your entire life. With a few minor changes, you can tighten your belt, and still live the life you want to live.