[tinapbeana]

i use my computer not just to save money, but to make money too...

saving money: online weekly adds from stores, comparison shopping, and general research (ideas, recipes, stocks, etc as mentioned by everyone above). my monthly and yearly budget (spreadsheet) and my check register (freeware MoneyManager EX) are all on my computer, giving me clearer insight into my financial standing and helping plan purchases and savings tactics. my computer also saves me money by allowing me to make personalized gifts at no/low cost (i.e. mixed CDs, digital photos w/ prints purchased online, color mailing labels, personalized stationary/calendars, etc).

i use my computer to make money by designing spreadsheets, business cards, photo editing, graphic design, website design, desktop publishing, presentation design, and right now book formatting (i.e. DTP on crack!).

i've been online for 13 years (ACK!) and have been on a computer daily for probably the last 10. for my needs and lifestyle it ranks higher than TV, cable, CDs, movies, and even the telephone. other than house, food, car, and electric, it is the last thing i would cut from my budget.