KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Financial expert Heather Davis Richards of Essential Knowledge LLC suggests making a to do list of money savings tips to help weather the recession.

First, she said, make savings automatic.

Consider setting up direct deposit of whatever is affordable to a special savings account.

Second, do some shopping around, she said.

Compare auto insurance rates to those of other companies, and analyze the deductibles. Just raising the deductible from $250 to $500 can save 30 percent.

She said she did it herself and saved $420 on her annual premiums.

Reduce cable options. Cut out extras and consider bundles.

Review any cell phone plans and don't pay for service you don't use such as texting.

Make coffee at home instead of buying designer drinks on the go and eat out one less time per month.

Run errands on the same day and plan for them geographically.

Finally, run the dishwasher at night.

The heat for drying the dishes can help heat up the house at night.