Saving money doesn't have to mean choosing the most inexpensive product on the market. In fact, sometimes choosing the cheaper product may result in having to replace the item and spend the money all over again. Saving money starts with finding the best value and not the lowest price tag.

Having said that, there are many ways in which you can cut costs, even if just a little bit, here and there. It all adds up! Take a look:

Shop at thrift stores for household items and clothes before you head to retail shops. Before you buy an appliance, plug it in to make sure that it works. If it's a piece of clothing, inspect it for stains or tears. Remember that a few minutes replacing a button could make that $4 shirt at the thrift store as perfect as when it was first sold for $35 new.

Every time you purchase items for the home - cleaning products, personal hygiene items - utilize a shopping strategy. Clipping coupons is a start, but combining them with store specials and sales in some cases means earning money for buying the item! And when you find a good price for things like deodorant, toothpaste, or toilet paper – things your family will always need – take advantage of the savings and buy in bulk. Watch the register screen as the checker rings up your goods. Very often, mistakes are made. Make sure that you're getting the sale price.

Discount stores and bulk stores do offer good deals for some items, but not if you aren't purchasing items that your family regularly uses or needs. Then it's only money wasted. Be sure before you buy something that you really need it.

Neighbors are a great resource. Trade the clothes that your kid outgrows to your neighbor for something that they don't need anymore. Show up for their garage sales and host a garage sale of your own. Take turns watching each other's children and save on babysitting money. Borrow items like lawn equipment or major kitchen appliances that you rarely use. Just remember to return the items in better condition that you received them and as soon as you are finished.

Take a do it yourself approach to as many things as possible. For example, cutting yours and your family's hair is a great way to save money every month. Make your own lunches and bring them to work. For simple or non-essential home repairs and touch ups – painting, landscaping, mowing the lawn - do it yourself or enlist a neighbor, trading your skill for theirs.

Apply the same idea to certain home items, as well. Cleaners are expensive and making your own in small quantities as needed with a few inexpensive basics is a great way to save money. Put all those soap ends with a little water to make your own liquid hand soap for the bathroom sink. Forget expensive scrubs and masks and indulge yourself with a few homemade concoctions. Free recipes abound and the ingredients are so inexpensive that the savings really can't be beat.

Gifts are often a huge expense, but with a little practice, you can make some really incredible gifts that will mean so much more than anything store bought. A knit afghan can cost about $30 in yarn and have the impact of $100 gift with sentimental value that is priceless. Buy a few fancy jars or bottles at the flea market, tie a ribbon around it and fill it with your homemade gourmet olive oils or bath and beauty products. A memorable gift that will save you money.