19 years ago, a little book (well, it was long, but with little fanfare) was written called the Eye of the World. The fantasy genre is filled with worlds and epically scaled series since Tolkien broke open the format with his Lord of the Rings trilogy. Robert Jordan took the fantasy genre traditions and stepped them up a notch, creating a fantasy world steeped in history, with characters that act and react in ways that resonate with the reader. The series spawned 12 novels (including The Gathering Storm) and will conclude with 14 books. Sadly, Jordan passed away in 2007 and was unable to complete his epic series. Thankfully, he kept detailed notes on his story and entrusted many plot points and devices to his wife Harriet. She tapped Brandon Sanderson, an up and coming fantasy writer in his own right with the Mistborn series, to complete the Wheel of Time series. Sanderson is a self professed fan of the series and took great care in keeping the world and characters true to the original. Just how successful was he? Read on!

Many fans of the books have fallen off over the years, either due to the long wait between releases, or disappointment over the lack of resolution to the many hanging plotlines developed over the years. One of the first things fans of the series will come to realize is that The Gathering Storm resolves many of these issues and questions, thus rewarding long time fans for their patience over the years with the series. That by itself should inspire those that are still on the fence about picking up the book.

Sanderson does an admirable job of taking over the reins from Jordan. While I am a fan of the series, I would not consider myself a hardcore fan, as such, I didn\'t feel like there were alot of places where I felt it was obvious it was Sanderson writing vs Jordan. There were maybe 2 or 3 places where I felt it was obvious, but it was still very well written and nothing the characters said or did in the scenes felt out of character for me. I think this is a testament to the care and thought that Sanderson put in to writing this novel.

One thing that readers will get as they dig into the book is the realization that the pacing of the story and the action are much more fluid. One of the largest complaints of the previous books was that there was too much exposition and not enough moving of the story along. Readers won\'t have that concern with this latest offering. While we won\'t get into spoilers here, let\'s just say that not only does the central plot line move along well (i.e. the Last Battle), but so do almost all the major characters. Rand, Mat, Perrin, Egwene all get some time in this book with the focus clearly on Rand and Egwene. No more chapter upon chapter of some uninteresting side character (I’m looking at you Kin and Wavemistresses!) The only noticeably absent central character is Elayne, but most would be ok with this since she was the central figure in book 11, The Knife of Dreams. As well, we’re treated with the return of some characters we haven’t seen in awhile, and the tying up of various storylines to clear up the picture and keep the focus on the main cast.

Sanderson should be commended for not only moving the story along, but creating a palatable sense of the coming of Tarmon Gai\'don, the Last Battle. Whether it\'s his descriptions of the environment, or people reactions and/or words, you feel throughout the book that the inhabitants are all recognizing something big is happening and that the Last Battle is likely to begin soon. I think that in the previous books, while it was mentioned here and there, there wasn’t the same foreboding sense that is throughout this book.

At the end of the day, I feel Sanderson did a very commendable job with this book in not only continuing the amazing story of the Wheel of Time, but producing a one of the finest editions in the series since possible the Lord of Chaos. With a more clear timetable for completion (2 more books to go!), I\'m eagerly awaiting the change to finish reading this series and see what happens at the end. If you haven’t bought this yet, rush out and get it now! If you’ve never read any of the series, start back in book 1 and prepare yourself for quite a journey!

Firefox + strongly recommend Adblock Plus addon
While Internet Explorer 8 has made great strides, there is a reason that Firefox is still gaining more and more of the browser market. It's still a lightweight and feature packed browser. When you add to the browser the plethora of community built Add-Ons that make the browser even better, I would suggest giving it a try at least if you are still using IE.

Foxit Reader
You need a PDF reader on your machine. PDF documents are all over the place these days. If you are still using Adobe Reader, do yourself a favour and download FoxIt reader. This reader is much more lightweight than Adobe's own offering and is better in many areas, such as searching.

Avast! Anti Virus
Microsoft recently released their own anti virus software, but unless you like to be an early adopter on these things, I would suggest going with Avant. Their product is mature and well supported. The install is also fairly lightweight.

7-Zip
Another application almost every machine needs is a way to open compressed files such as .zip and .rar files. 7-zip is another lightweight application than can open any compressed file format under the sun. It can also package and compress files for you as well. While windows 7 has built in support for the .zip format, it doesn't help you with .rar or others, so this is a good idea.

Spybot
While you have firewall and anti-virus, the third piece of protection you need is spyware/malware detection. Spybot is yet another lightweight program that can monitor and scan your machine to check for spyware/malware. It's a mature product as well and should meet all you needs in this area.

VLC
If you are looking for a media player instead of the packages Windows Media Player, VLC is definitely the way to go, especially if you like to watch high definition clips in .MKV format as Windows Media Player can't currently handle these files. VLC can handle this type of file, as well as every conceivable video format out there.

K-Lite codecs
If you download and look for videos around the internet, you'll realize there are many different ways that people produce their videos. Everyone uses different codecs and there is nothing more annoying than opening a file and finding out that you can't play the clip because you don't have the proper codec. Just download this and you will be set as it includes basically every codec you would ever need!

iTunes
If you own an iPod or iPhone, you don't really have a choice but to use iTunes.

Winamp
Yes, Winamp still exists and it still a good player, especially if you want to play high end file such as the FLAC format which you can't play in iTunes or Zune players. While Winamp has become a fairly bloated piece of software, just download the basic player as that will serve the needs of the majority of users.

Zune
While iTunes has a huge market share due to the ubiquitous iPod/iPhone, the Zune player has quietly become a favourite around here. With a cleaner interface and more customization, this player isn't just for those who have a Zune.

uTorrent
There really isn't a better torrent software than uTorrent. It's small and lightweight and does the job well.

FileZilla
While other FTP software just got bigger and more bloated, FileZilla has been able to continue to be a lightweight program while packing on more features that are actually useful. While

I would list a ton of more tools, but really, these are all you need in terms of essentials. These have all been tested to work in Windows 7 as well. If you have other suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts.

All of the applications listed here are what I would consider essential, meaning that you should have these regardless of what kind of user you are.

Firefox + strongly recommend Adblock Plus addon
While Internet Explorer 8 has made great strides, there is a reason that Firefox is still gaining more and more of the browser market. It's still a lightweight and feature packed browser. When you add to the browser the plethora of community built Add-Ons that make the browser even better, I would suggest giving it a try at least if you are still using IE.

Foxit Reader
You need a PDF reader on your machine. PDF documents are all over the place these days. If you are still using Adobe Reader, do yourself a favour and download FoxIt reader. This reader is much more lightweight than Adobe's own offering and is better in many areas, such as searching.

Avast! Anti Virus
Microsoft recently released their own anti virus software, but unless you like to be an early adopter on these things, I would suggest going with Avant. Their product is mature and well supported. The install is also fairly lightweight.

7-Zip
Another application almost every machine needs is a way to open compressed files such as .zip and .rar files. 7-zip is another lightweight application than can open any compressed file format under the sun. It can also package and compress files for you as well. While windows 7 has built in support for the .zip format, it doesn't help you with .rar or others, so this is a good idea.

Spybot
While you have firewall and anti-virus, the third piece of protection you need is spyware/malware detection. Spybot is yet another lightweight program that can monitor and scan your machine to check for spyware/malware. It's a mature product as well and should meet all you needs in this area.

VLC
If you are looking for a media player instead of the packages Windows Media Player, VLC is definitely the way to go, especially if you like to watch high definition clips in .MKV format as Windows Media Player can't currently handle these files. VLC can handle this type of file, as well as every conceivable video format out there.

K-Lite codecs
If you download and look for videos around the internet, you'll realize there are many different ways that people produce their videos. Everyone uses different codecs and there is nothing more annoying than opening a file and finding out that you can't play the clip because you don't have the proper codec. Just download this and you will be set as it includes basically every codec you would ever need!

iTunes
If you own an iPod or iPhone, you don't really have a choice but to use iTunes.

Winamp
Yes, Winamp still exists and it still a good player, especially if you want to play high end file such as the FLAC format which you can't play in iTunes or Zune players. While Winamp has become a fairly bloated piece of software, just download the basic player as that will serve the needs of the majority of users.

Zune
While iTunes has a huge market share due to the ubiquitous iPod/iPhone, the Zune player has quietly become a favourite around here. With a cleaner interface and more customization, this player isn't just for those who have a Zune.

uTorrent
There really isn't a better torrent software than uTorrent. It's small and lightweight and does the job well.

FileZilla
While other FTP software just got bigger and more bloated, FileZilla has been able to continue to be a lightweight program while packing on more features that are actually useful. While

I would list a ton of more tools, but really, these are all you need in terms of essentials. These have all been tested to work in Windows 7 as well. If you have other suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Most men have not had their annual mammography, but what they may not know is that male breast cancer will kill an estimated 440 men this year. Previously considered an anomalous occurrence, nearly two thousand new cases will occur in men by the end of 2009. Though male breast cancer represents less than one percent of all breast cancer cases in the United States, it has been on the rise. However, due to a recent campaign of treatment awareness, the survival rate of males who are diagnosed early has dramatically increased.

Male breast cancer shares much of the same symptomatology as the female version of the disease does. The physiological structure of the male breast is not entirely different from the female. Therefore, some types of breast cancer that male’s contract is virtually identical. Ninety percent of all breast cancer begins around the ducts that produce milk or in tiny tubular structures called lobules that surround them. Men also possess these ducts and lobules, which means that they can potentially produce milk from them. However, under normal circumstances this would be a rare occurrence. This particular form of breast cancer is known as Ductal Carcinoma (DC). What makes any cancer so lethal is the potential for it to spread throughout the body via the bloodstream or lymph system. Breast cancer that spreads beyond its primary location is called Infiltrated Ductal Carcinoma (IDC).

Research into the causes of male breast cancer is ongoing. Some of theories surrounding potential etiologies are obesity, lack of exercise, alcohol abuse, and exposure to abnormal levels of radiation. Heredity is also a primary factor. A genetic mutation called Klinefelter’s Syndrome is responsible for approximately twenty percent of all male breast cancer cases. This unusual condition is one in which males are born with an extra “X” chromosome causing the substandard production of male hormones called androgens and elevated production of female hormones called estrogens.

Treatment awareness begins with the utilization of simple diagnostic tools such as the proper use of self-examination and observation. Learning how to properly examine the breast and observe for abnormalities such as lumps, swelling or nipple discharge can be the first line of defense in early detection. Mammograms may eventually become a more invasive tool in the early detection of breast cancer for men as it has been for women over the last few decades. Clinical trials are also an option for some male breast cancer sufferers. However, many of these trials are often relegated to specific forms of cancer and may not be an option for some diagnosed with the affliction. Currently, there is no known method for preventing male breast cancer that has been proven. However, a healthy lifestyle, which includes a good diet and regular exercise, is often the best method for the prevention of many diseases, ailments, and conditions. This is likely the most sensible approach toward male breast cancer prevention and may even contribute to an eventual cure. Regular checkups via annual physicals can also prove to be lifesavers by contributing to early detection.

Contrary to popular belief, french toast is actually very easy to make.
Serves 1-2 toddlers

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 5 drops of vanilla
• 2 slices of old toast (new is fine as well)
• 2 teaspoons of milk (optional)
• Icing sugar, maple syrup, butter (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg while adding the vanilla and milk.
2. Dip the toast into the egg mixture ensuring that it is well coated.
3. Place the toast into a well oiled frying pan on medium heat.
4. Turn the toast over and ensure both sides are cooked. Once the toast has a slight firmness to it, remove and place on your plate.
5. Cut the toast into triangles for good finger foods for your toddler.
6. Add icing sugar, syrup and butter depending on how much you like to include.

A quick and easy pancake mix, the smiley face makes the kids smile.
Makes 6-8 pancakes

Ingredients

• I banana, sliced
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
2. In another medium sized bowl, lightly beat the egg while adding milk and melted butter
3. Make a well in the large bowl and pour the wet ingredients and mix until smooth
4. Heat a oiled frying pan over medium high heat.
5. Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the pan. Add pieces of sliced banana to form a smiley face
6. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Very easy recipes that is nutritious and easy!

Ingredients

• 1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced
• 4 slices white or whole wheat bread
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven in broil mode.
2. Butter each slice of bread on one side only. Place apple slices on buttered side of bread. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top. Place bread on a baking sheet.
3. Place the baking sheet into a preheated oven until toasted, about 2 minutes.
4. Alternatively, you can bake at 450 F for 10 mins.

1. Andrea Bargnani - Toronto Raptors
Most astute fantasy players recognized the great second half Bargnani had in the 2008-2009 season. He should be able to continue to produce at that level while increasing his rebounds per game. The addition of Turkoglu to the Raptors should actually help Bargnani as there will be another playmaker on the floor to get him his shots. The fact that Bargnani qualifies at center in a lot of leagues makes him even more valuable.

2. Trevor Ariza - Houston Rockets
Known mostly as a glue guy or intangibles players, Ariza's move to Houston came at a fortuitous time for fantasy players. With Yao lost for the year and McGrady constantly banged up, we should see plenty of opportunities for Ariza to play and generate a ton of stats. His only really competition scoring wise is Shane Battier who really isn't known as a scorer. Expect to see across the board increases in his numbers.

3. Courtney Lee - New Jersey Nets
Lee had his coming out party during the playoffs last year as everyone quickly recognized how important of a piece he was to the Orlando Magic run to the finals. Moving the New Jersey as part of the Vince Carter trade was great for Lee as he should get as many minutes as he can handle on a very poor Nets team. With Devin Harris drawing so much attention, it should allow Lee to pop open for a lot of clean looks. I would expect a big boost in his points totals.

4. Jason Thompson - Sacramento Kings
The Kings team is really bad. Thankfully for their fans, they have a young rising big in Thompson. While last year he was overshadowed by the emergence of Spencer Hawes, you should expect a big jump in his numbers this year. Thompson will get a ton of minutes and should see jumps in his rebounds and blocks. He is capable of averaging a double double.

5. Russell Westbrook - Oklahoma City Thunder
While he will be constantly overshadowed by Durant, Westbrook should really come into his own this year and develop into a perfect sidekick for Durant. His uncanny ability to score and dish the ball will be on showcase as the Thunder should be an entertaining team to watch. Westbrook will see a jump in his across the board numbers and I expect a drop in his turnovers as he should be handling the ball a little less this year.

6. DJ Augustin - Charlotte Bobcats
With the situation with Raymond Felton up in the air, Augustin is primed to take alot of minutes this year and run with it. He produced big numbers whenever he got playing time last year and he should only see increases in those numbers this year. I fully expect Felton to be gone from this team at some point this year, giving Augustin full reign to run this team and generate fantastic fantasy numbers

7. Louis Williams - Philadelphia 76ers
When the Sixers moved Andre Miller to Portland, it opened up a huge opportunity for Williams as he will take over the starting role on a run and gun Sixers team. Williams is an incredibly fast point guard and a decent passer. He does excel in the open court which suits their play style perfectly. You should see a huge jump in assists with Williams as he has some good athletic wing men in Thaddeus Young and Andres Iguodala.

8. Roy Hibbert - Indiana Pacers
Hibbert actually developed well as the season bore on last year and it's fully expected that he'll be starting and getting a lot of minutes this year. He has no real competition on the Pacers for the center position and you can expect a steady amount of blocks from Hibbert and an increase in his rebounding numbers.

9. Eric Gordon - LA Clippers
While many might consider last year his breakout year, I think that Gordon has 20 PPG potential. This year he should flirt with it throughout the season. As such a good shooter, I expect an increase in three pointers and steals as well. An overall improved team in LA with a motivated Baron Davis should do wonders for Gordon.

10. Anthony Randolph – Golden State Warriors
Even with Don Nelson putting crazy lineups out there every night, Randolph should be a consistent starter this year. He’s been a beast in the summer leagues and definitely has the skill set to be a star. Even though there are a bunch of other scorers on the team, namely Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson and Corey Maggette, Randolph should still see plenty of shots since their team is all about offense. With increased minutes this year, he should be able to product some nice stats.

Honourable Mention: Julian Wright - New Orleans Hornets
Announced as a starter and putting Peja Stojakovic on the bench, Wright is an athletic swingman who should provide better fast break opportunities for Chris Paul to find on the breaks. He hasn't put up many numbers in his first 2 season, but I expect him to break out and be a consistent starter and putting up much better numbers across the board. Wright is a deep sleeper pick though, don't expect superstar numbers, but he should be worth a flyer in late rounds.

All trips to Washington are focused on \"the Mall\". Here is where the focus of all the museums are. All of them are worth a visit. The National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum (kids seem to love this one), the National Gallery of Art, the US holocaust Museaum and the National Museum of American history are the favourites. Note that the US holocaust museum can be a quite scary for little kids, but it\'s a good education for them at the same time. Another tip, if you enjoy IMAX movies, book your tickets in advance for the IMAX showings at the National Air and Space museum as they sell out quick.

There are really four must see monuments to look at while in Washington. The Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Washington memorials are all on the mall and are definitely worth the visit. Just visiting these four monuments will take a least a 1/2 day and will involve alot of walking. The Korean war and Vietnam war memorials are also worth a visit if you have the time.

Everyone wants a picture of the White House. A synonymous image with the USA. Expect to see a ton of security around the building. While the White House is open for visitors, you need to plan at least 3 months in adavance. The only way to arrange a tour is through local congress if you are American, or through your embassy if you are not American. The work is definately worth it though to be able to see for yourself what the inside looks like.

At the east end of the Mall stands the gorgeous Captiol building. The visitor center was recently renovated and is now a amazing facility. Take a tour and see American democracy at work. I actually think this building is more impressive than the White House. If you have time, stop off at the Library of Congress just behind the Capitol to the east for the largest library in the world. Take the free hourly tours available to see everything.

Further in the east end you will find the Spy Museum and the FBI building. If you only have time for one of these, I would recommend the FBI building. Especially interesting is the live range shooting demonstration put on at the end of the tour! See the FBI 10 most wanted, learn about the history of the FBI, all interesting stuff. The spy museum is interesting if you are interested in that kind of thing. They have sections detailing how spies are trained, bios on spies throughout history, etc. I would recommend getting tickets in advance for the Spy Museum as well.

Across the river from the core area of Washington, lies the Arlington National Cemetery. These gorgeous grounds are the backdrop to a sombre location where many of presidents are laid to rest (including John F. Kennedy) as well as the countless soldiers who\'ve fought for America over the years. The Kennedy graves and the Tomb of the Unknown soldier are popular locations to visit while here. There is a bus tour that runs through the grounds, if you don\'t take it, expect alot of walking.

This restaurant serving Mediterranean inspired food got a boost by it\'s head chef appearing on the Bravo television show \"Top Chef\". The space is still beautiful and has retained it\'s hip feel. The inspired food is served tapas style so you\'ll have a chance to try many different dishes.

This restaurant is a staple of the north side of Washington. President Obama made an appearance here when he first showed up in Washington. The chilli is definitely worth the hype. Cheap and delicious is always a good combination. From this writer\'s perspective, the classic chilli is still the best.

Specializing in baked goods and you guessed it - bread, the Bread Line is an excelled spot for a quick lunch. Try to avoid the lunch hour though as the crowds become quite huge. The best baguettes and a multitude of sandwich choices greet patrons. Everything is made fresh on the premises and the taste really shows it.

Washington is blessed with many quality African restaurants. Meskerem is my favourite. Their decor is nice and bright and your dishes come family style accompanied with thin sourdough bread. Ask the servers for suggestions if it\'s your first time with this type of food, but everything is delicious. My favourite here is the kitfo, a tasty beef dish that needs to be tasted to believe!

I hope this brief guide of places to visit in Washington and a few nice places to eat was useful. Washington is really a wonderful place to visit with so much history and so many places to see. You really need a week here if you enjoy museums especially.

1. Reduce your cable TV bill.
   Most people are paying for more cable TV than they ever need or watch. Check what packages you are paying for a consider dropping your package to something that doesn\'t hold as many channels. Most basic package will still cover the majority of big channels. With the advent of sites like Hulu and TV shows on iTunes, options other than traditional TV are available as well.


2. Take transit to work or carpool to work.
   It\'s amazing how many people around the world drive to work. Not only is it typically more expensive when including gas, parking and depreciation of your car, many people still prefer to drive themselves to work. While transit will sometimes take more time, the ultimate cost will be less than driving every day.


3. Brown bag it.
   Not only is packing your own lunch almost always healthier than eating out for lunch, it will also save you substantial amounts of money over the year. Considering even a cheap lunch eating out is $5, making something will typically cost you $2 or less.


4. Reduce the amount of coffee you drink.
   While many feel like coffee is necessary every day, maybe cut down to 1 cup a day? Perhaps 3 times per week. Really, whatever works best for you, but coffee adds up over time


5. Review your insurance.
   You should shop vigourly whenver you house or car insurance is up for renewal. There are often times many other companies that can offer you excellent rates better than what you are currently receiving. Don\'t simply renew without first checking out other options. As well, review the amount you are being covered for and ensure you are not over insured.


6. Reduce your number credit cards.
   If you have more than 2 credit cards, it\'s too many. In fact, using credit cards in general are no good to your ability to save unless you know you will and can pay it off immediately. The amount of interest that people pay to the credit card companies is outrageous


7. Select more efficient credit cards.
   Choose a dividend/cash back no fee credit card. This will give you some cash back over the year as you use your card and is often more effective than other reward cards, plus it\'s cash! Remember to always get a no fee card, interest rates are already expensive enough, there is no need to pay an annual fee on top of that!


8. Hand wash some clothes.
   Hand washing your clothes not only allows them to last longer, but you will save on water and electric bills by doing this consistently. The washing machine uses ALOT of water.


9. Don\'t use the dishwasher.
   Similar to hand washing clothes, the dishwasher units use a tremendous amount of water. By not falling into the temptation of using this machine, you will save alot on your water bill over time.


10. Turn lights off.
    It\'s important to remember to turn off all the lights in your house that you are not using. The amount of energy wasted on this is tremendous. If you have a basement and rarely go down there, remember to just keep everything shut off there, including those digital clocks. Every bit saved helps in the long run.


11. Don\'t buy books, use the library.
    Books are something that I encourage everyone to read. They not only offer enlightening entertainment, but there is something about reading books that brings enjoyment to the soul. That being said, books are really expensive and typically collect dust after you read them. Head to your local library and pick up any books you want to read.


12. Review your cell phone usage.
    With the popularity of the iPhone and other multimedia cell phones, cell phone bills have gone through the roof. Do you really need that latest phone? Do you really need a data plan? For the large majority of people, this is a no and going with the most basic plan or a pay as you go can save you hundreds a year.


13. Open up a no fee banking account.
    If you are paying fees for your banking account, you\'re in bad shape. There should be no way you should be paying the outrageous fees banks charge these days. There are a few no fee banks out there, research and find one appropriate in your area.


14. Get a programmable thermostat.
    Although there is some initial investment, setting your homes temperature at various times of the day is very worthwhile. If no one is home during the day, no need to run the heat or air conditioning! Same as when you are sleeping. The savings add up with this one.


15. Be a coupon clipper.
    It\'s some amount of work, but instead of throwing out all those flyers and ads in your local paper, go through them and keep an eye out for sales on things you buy every week like groceries, diapers, etc.


16. Make shopping lists.
    It\'s easy to become sidetracked when going shopping, whether it\'s to the grocery store or Wal-Mart. Often times people end up making impulse buys or purchasing something they don\'t need. A list will help you stay focused and get in and out of the store with only what you need.


17. Never have a drink outside you or someone else’s home.
    The mark up on alcohol is so expensive everywhere you go that you are really losing alot of money by buying alcohol in bars or restaurants. Meet up with friends at someone’s home instead and have a few drinks there.


18. Sell your old stuff. You probably have a storage room somewhere filled with things you don\'t use anymore. Make an effort to sort through these and get rid of them. You can make a little extra and also clear up space. Electronics especially seem to always have a market willing to buy your old stuff.


19. Buy generic alternatives.
    Whether it be food, clothes, prescription drugs, the generic version is often times as good (and sometimes better) as the brand name version of the same product. Shopping for generic items will save you substantial amounts of money, especially for prescription drugs.


20. Trade baby clothes.
    This obviously only applies to parents, but instead of buying clothes for your kids every other month, get connected with other families that have children and see if you can swap clothes with them as your kids grow. If you find a few families like this, you can save a huge amount of money as your kids grow older since they grow out of their clothes so quickly.

These are just a few tips we use ourselves. Would love to hear if you have any more suggestions! ]]>