AND THEN THERE'S EVERYTHING ELSE

We've examined hundreds of tips on saving money and that "where do I begin" feeling is starting to settle in.
The best thing you can do is implement as many as possible of these ideas that you feel will work for you.
The worst outcome possible here is just throwing up your hands and doing nothing.
To that point we present here a generally structural guideline designed to point you in the right direction.
And a quick rehash of some of the money saving tips we have covered but may prove easy to overlook.
The following is a quick overview if your feeling overwhelmed and aren't sure where to start.
You probably noticed something at the start of every one of the saving articles.
Nearly all these articles start with the most efficient money saving tips at the top and become somewhat less significant as we go along.

The low-hanging fruit as it was. 
Measures like insulating your house, meal planning, and lowering the amount of coverage on your vehicle will (usually) save you more than some of the lower rung ideas.
They are all important though.

The key is not only understanding whats most pressing in your world but also how to best go about implementing it.
For example money's tight right now and you live in a warmer climate and winter's approaching.
While the upcoming cooler weather won't result in a high utility bill you know that when summer comes these same utility bills will prove far more costly.
You know you have to insulate but not for at least another seven months.
 Use that time to save as hard as possible in all other areas to your best.
When summer gets close you'll have the money and enough time to get it done right.
If your not really sure where to begin start by implementing the most important concepts in every category that applies to you.
While not the ideal approach, it will at least save you the most amount possible in the shortest time possible.
Of course, for those who are anxious to save every possible penny we present to you the most ideal approach toward saving.
Namely after you've done the few most important ideas in every category your now going to attack every last expense to the penny one category (mortgage, utilities, car insurance) at a time only moving on after you've completely done.
Your going to want to use a notebook and take two detailed note of the most important things. 

First.  How much your currently spending on a particular category. 

Second.  What effect you've had after implementing your saving ideas?
Remember every bill you can't completely eliminate is just a category to save money on.
The items were covered earlier but bear repeating or may need some further explanation.

1. Above all else you have to know both how much a particular bill is and what it was after you've cut that expense to your best ability.

2. A mortgage will likely be the largest expenditure you ever have. 
Going about it right is one of the most important financial decisions you'll ever make.

3. An experienced, competent real estate agent could well make the difference between the house of your dreams at a good price and complete frustration.

4. You absolutely need 20% down on any property to avoid PMI.  This is extremely important.

5. If possible get a fifteen-year mortgage NOT a thirty year one.
 This could easily add up to tens of thousands of dollars in savings.

6. A mortgage recast may, for some, prove to be a far better option than refinancing.

7. When buying a home, keep in mind if it's a house that in the future may be difficult to sell. 
The wrong house with unpopular features may prove extremely difficult to sell without slashing its price enormously.

8. A well insulated home is usually the single biggest money saver on your utility bill.
 It cost a pretty penny but it saves so much you just can't afford not to. 
Because it often takes some amount of time to recoup your investment, it's best to insulate a home as soon as you can to give you more time to reap the savings.
 Also remember that if you choose to do it yourself, to do it right. 
Despite what people say it's not really a one weekend task.
Don't forget about things like properly taping up ductwork (with proper tape) and making sure support beams are covered to eliminate thermal bridging.

9. Using fans with timers and taking the time to adjust their settings is so overlooked we felt obligated to mention it again.

10. Every degree down on your heating or up on the A.C. represents about 3% of your utility bill.

11. Taking the time to meal plan.   It's another overlooked major money saver. 

12. Shopping around for car insurance is the first and most important step to saving money.

13. Make sure when you are shopping for car insurance to only consider a reputable company.

14. If you don't have several cable/internet providers in your area your best bet might be to consider streaming.

15. Driving less, usually by combining errands will save you more on gas than anything else will.

16. Having items delivered is not only a great way to save on gas but a more convenient way to get your items. And often at a reduced price!

17. Using cruise control is an easy way to save AT LEAST 7% on your gas bill.  Possible much more.

18. Cell phone plans and prices are more competitive than they've ever been. 
And they're often confusing. 
Finding the right plan at the right price most involves knowing exactly what you need and what you can do without.