If you've been living on Easy Street for awhile, with few financial concerns until the recent downturns, then Famoosh Torabi's article, "7 Easy Ways to Save $100 a week" is well worth reading. I'll forward it along to my older son, who is just out of college and could be holding onto a lot more of his paycheck. He's pretty much heard it all before from me, but then he's somewhat "mother-deaf."

For the rest of us, not new to watching our dollars, I'd be interested to hear whether any of the seven ideas are new to you. Torabi's suggestions include limiting visits to the ATM, drinking at home instead of in restaurants or bars, self-manicures and pedicures, using the library.

Maybe I'm cranky today. I've been "cutting back" for a long time. So I don't agree when Torabi suggests that when using your debit card at whole Foods, you can get cash back without paying a fee. What's wrong with that suggestion? If you're trying to cut costs, you probably won't be doing a lot of your shopping at Whole Foods -- except perhaps for its store brand.

When I was getting ready to finance my college education, (after hitting up my parents) I looked to Federal Pell grants and the beloved FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). But things have changed, and in the age of Facebook and online interconnectivity, it only makes sense that students are utilizing these new tools for borrowing.

Several companies have popped up in recent months that allow students to tap into cyber-resources. On Fynanz.com, students design a profile detailing goals, interests and financial need, and then non-institutional lenders can shop through profiles based on majors, academic institutions or other interests.

The terms are set by the student, who can choose to start paying it back immediately, pay only the interest, or wait up to 20 years. Rates are between 7% and 12%, a good chunk cheaper than the 16% that's more common for private loans.

GreenNote.com, which launches June 4, seeks to utilize a student's social network to solicit friends and family to contribute to a college fund. Much like Fynanz, the student creates a profile with personal details and academic interests. However, then the student invites friends and family to contribute, and hopefully, pass on the profile to other community members. There's something very encouraging about people being able to support young people they know, or who are in their circle, with small loans.

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