Oh, the economy! Woe is us! How will we ever survive?

That's right, America. Recession will officially arrive at the end of the Bush Administration. I honestly thought it would occur much earlier because of our war machine, but that just shows you how resilient this economy really is. Instead, it took banks and major institutions screwing around with sub-prime loans to do us in this time around.

These days, the average citizens are inundated with ways to save money. Some seem logical and necessary, while other border on foolish and asinine. I really think if we just live simpler lives, most of our economic troubles would simply go away. I didn't say conservation, I said simpler. I recently read 100 ways to pinch pennies, and some of them make sense. Other make me cringe. Here's what I think of ten of them.

1. Dry your clothes on a clothesline.

I hate clothesline-dried clothes. They are crunchy stiff, and many laundromats offer free drying anyway. Fifty cents tops. Clothes lines are an old-timey way to save money, and let's face it, winter is coming. A lousy time for the clothes line.

2. Unplug electronics not being used.

Makes sense to a point, but I'm not going to plug in the microwave every time I use it.

3. When you finish baking, open the oven door for heat.

Hmmm, I thought every cook already did that.

4. Drop your landline and use your cell phone.

Okay, but I would have to get a cell phone, right?

5. Look at your insurance policies, and consider upping the deductible for a lower premium.

So if I get in an accident, I'll pay more, right? Aren't the insurance companies one of the major institutions who screwed around with our money in the first place? My advice, pay insurance companies as little as you can, and be safe.

6. Carpool.

Anyone else nearby going to the cab yard at 4:30 in the morning? Oh, just me and those four other guys, and they always get there before me.

7. Get rid of the roof rack for bikes and skis.

Not a problem.

8. Cook more meals at home and turn last night's dinners into today's lunch.

In the real world, we call them leftovers.

9. When eating out, order from the small plates or appetizers section.

Yeah, because who wants to eat a good meal when they go out. FYI, appetizers are almost always the worst crap on the menu.

10. Try a date night at the public library: free lectures, discussions and movie nights.

And you'll never get a date again, which also saves you money.

Folks, we all need to save money, but let's not be idiots while we do it. It's good to insulate your house, turn down the thermostat, and cuddle under blankets. It's also cheaper to eat at home than out on the town. We don't need all the new toys and gadgets available. We should be conscious of how much gas, electricity and energy we use. This seems like common sense.

Let's not be so frugal that we don't tip our waitress or feel obligated to buy the cheap wine that will make us ill. Let's be selective with our pleasures, but we must still remember to enjoy them.

I have minimized my life over the past decade. I spend money every month on rent, utilities, food and drink. I entertain myself with books, movies, sports and music. I live with my baby mama & baby girl, and they need the basics as well. They are, in fact, the major drain on my budget, but it's not a problem. Somehow, we get along fine on a cab driver's budget.

I think there's one basic rule that will solve everyone's economic issues from the federal government down to the ghetto: Spend less than you make.

It sounds simplistic, but I told you we need to be simpler about our living. If America can just spend less than what it makes, this recession will be gone before you know it.

Chris Jungle has never had a financial advisor or serious debts.