The Nevada budget has become a hot talking point at the office water cooler in recent days. Sorry to report, the news isn't good. Over the past year, the budget seems to have dropped drastically with no solutions in sight. Granted , the economy isn't the best nationally or locally, and tourism, Las Vegas' number one industry, is seeing a decline.   So with all of these symptoms contributing to Nevada's economy cold, Governor Gibbons is beginning to look for the cure. 

                The Governor recently called for an emergency session to begin looking for answers, collaborating with Nevada public officials. The Governor, incidentally, has also been scrutinized for placing more than 800 text messages on a state cell phone. His apology, as well as a check for around $130,  was included inthis emergency session. He recently told the Las Vegas Review Journal, "I believe we are in the midst of the worst fiscal crisis in the state's history." According to the LVRJ, state fund revenue is expected to fall short 11% next year. 

               High gas prices, high foreclosure rates , high cost of living, and sky rocketing food prices are making it especially hard for local college students to live in Las Vegas. Matthew Roberts, a junior attending the University of Nevada Las Vegas, is considering moving back in with his parents. He says, "Moving back in with my parents would make it easier for me to focus on what is really important, graduating. Making $9 an hour isn't quite cutting the $800 a month rent, the $4.16 a gallon for gas, or the $6 Wendy's. I hope the move will be temporary, but I'll be honest, I'm not that optimistic." Matthew's concerns aren't unique in this sad state of affairs. 

               The important thing to remember in these seemingly dismal days of apoor economy, is that it has to go up at some point in time.  But until then, watching what you are spending your money on, and trying to be a little more thrifty might be the answer you are looking for. Here are a few common sense tips to help bend and stretch your budget.

Almost a no duh tip, but it can really save you money during that painful check out time at the grocery store. Skip that expensive, name brand shampoo for something a little cheaper. Besides, it is actually good for your hair to mix your products up every once in a while!

3.)   COUPONS, COUPONS, COUPONS

You don't have to be 65 to get some use out of coupons.   In this economic downtime, companies are practically handingyou enormous savings  -- you just have to look for them . Try the paper, the internet, and if you can, invest in a coupon book. For about $20, you can have a year worth of savings. But as always, RECYCLE UNUSED COUPONS!