As prices for bread and baked goods continue to rise, she suggests buying a bread machine or dusting off the one that's gone unused. "I make my own bread and use my bread machine about twice a week," [Margaret Howard] says.

Because pork prices "are the best of all meat products right now, it's a good time to buy or stock up for the freezer." It is wonderful on the barbecue, she says.

"First of all, throw away your credit cards. You are paying too much interest, so try to pay them down," she says. "And look at your budget and see where you can save."