In a stunning breakthrough, the government has confirmed that money DOES, in fact, now grow on trees. The proof?

Exhibit A: The Deficit. Our government has run up an astounding $10 trillion deficit and the pork keeps flowing.

Exhibit B: The Bailouts and stimulus programs. $700 billion to banks, $540 billion to shore up mutual funds, $123 billion to rescue AIG- that's almost $1.4 trillion out the door!  Cash for clunkers, cash for caulkers, and on and on.

Wait...what's that you say? You don't have a money tree growing in your backyard?? You actually have to balance your family budget? Faced with lower wages, fewer jobs, skyrocketing costs and big investment losses, you are actually tightening your belts to make ends meet and shore up your savings?!?

OF COURSE YOU ARE!

And if you are feeling squeezed, you're not alone.

In a recent survey, we asked you and your fellow Dolans.com readers to let us know how the financial crisis is impacting your family finances. A whopping 70% of you are trimming life's little luxuries (like going out to dinner and the movies) and another 35% of you are rethinking major purchases.

We commend you for taking matters into your own hands and cutting back on your spending. (You could teach the spendthrifts in Washington a thing or two!)

Click here for a dozen simple ways to save money today.

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