Jason Paul at USA Today writes about how frugal families have enlisted the help of financial planners in step with the Frugal Family Challenge. While these stories are uplifting and should give anyone with debt hope to restrategize their budget and get back on track towards debt elimination, the tricks of the trade these families have all employed are all excellent options for saving each month. Some of the highlights from the article include:

• Reducing the satellite TV package. For an even more impressive switch, it sounds radical, but get rid of cable TV completely! Instead watch films you already own. Watch your favorite programs on the Internet.

• Eat all meals in. This sounds crazy at first, but with a family, this is an excellent way to keep everyone on the same page, increase the amount of quality family time, and enjoy corollary activities together like grocery shopping and cooking.

• Use a flexible spending account for medical costs through employers. With pre-tax income contributions, a family can save nontrivial amounts over the course of a year. Budgeting the right amount is critical, however, because depending on the rules to the account, you can forfeit unused contributions. Check with your human resources manager for the specifics.

• Skip trips to the high-end supermarket.

• Check the tire pressure. Furthermore, learn how to check the oil on the car as well. These are quick actions that can help avoid expensive breakdowns and repairs.