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Extra Credit: Tips to help, hurt the economy

There seems to be a new monthly economic report out every day: fewer jobs, or slightly more people employed, our American work going overseas, or immigrants coming here for our jobs. The price of gasoline goes up and down several times a week. All around us, there are constant reminders of the recession.

We can't really win for losing. I'm always seeing consumer segments on television in which they follow around a shopper who uses coupons to buy a buggy full of groceries, including a Thanksgiving turkey, for only 25 cents.

Have I ever done that? Not even close.

I use coupons when I can, but I never have enough clipped out to get much more than a turkey leg free.

Still, I have devised a few ways to save money, even without being a coupon king. These consumer tips keep me from having to dig under the couch cushions for leftovers (well, the stray M&M's are always appreciated):

• My late friend Tom put a big money-saver to work. I saw him practice it several times before I caught on. When you're in a restaurant with several other people or couples, take the check as soon as it's brought to the table. At least one other person will snatch it out of your hand and say, "No, no, this one is on me." What can you do but yield? You look generous without having to pay. I've never seen this maneuver fail, although now that you've read this, I'm not going to risk eating out with you.

• Another way to get free meals is to hang out at open houses, grand openings, funeral wakes and church homecomings. You have never really appreciated the many species of potato salad until you have been to a homecoming. My church is having a tent meeting soon, so feel free to come hungry. That will be me, ove

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