One thing that hit me when I was cleaning out my condo - I lack for absolutely nothing! Not bras, not panties, not hose, not socks, not towels. You get the picture. So #1 would be:
1) Shop in your own closets/drawers. You'd be surprised at what you already own.
2) If it dosen't have a coupon/rebate, don't buy it.
3) Use rewards credit cards/debit cards/checking account. Better yet, use a cash back card.
4) If you can buy online through cash back sites and with discount codes and with little to no shipping, it's way better than wasting your own gas and time. Of course, you would also be paying with the #3 method.
5) Follow the Walgreens/CVS/Staples/Office Depot/Menards threads on fatwallet.com, slickdeals.net and hotcouponworld.com. Do these free or free-after-rebate deals religiously and just amaze yourself at what retailers are willing to give away just to keep your business while you swim in free stuff!