Love saving money? You don't have to spend your own in order to save.

Recession Mama: There comes a time when, much as you'd like to show how much money you can save by purchasing something at a deep, deep discount, you just don't need anything. Now's the time to share all the knowledge you've gained.

My friends know that I don't mind helping them with some of their purchases -- a few minutes on the Internet saved one of my friends hundreds of dollars when she was buying folding tables and chairs. Go ahead and take it to another level. For example, I realize that I can save my kids' public school thousands of dollars over the course of a year if I do the purchasing for them of crafts, prizes, and incentives for some of their many fundraisers. Did you know that the 99 cent store has a bulk-purchasing program? You just need to be purchasing $50 worth of an item, and it needs to be ordered by the case (although some cases are only six or twelve items). If you see something you need for a school or charity, just write down the UPC number and call their Club 99 number (sounds exclusive, doesn't it?) to order for pickup at a local store. I've taken it a step further and found some dollar store suppliers, who sometimes can get me the same item for only fifty or sixty cents.

I'm helping others and getting the thrill of the chase without giving my credit card a workout. What could be better?

A former state deputy attorney general and current stay-at-home mom, Recession Mama Michele Ashamalla has three kids and ten years of experience stretching one salary to cover the necessities and more. She's all about saving money whenever you can, so you have it to spend on whatever you want!