So, this is what happens when I watch American Morning on CNN, they get me thinking and stuff. And the “stuff” is never very good. This morning Jeff Yeager, American cheapskate and author, discussed the five things families can do to save up to $20,000 per year. I eagerly awaited to hear if any of the advice would apply to me. Being a single woman, advice for “families” rarely does, but I like to save money as much as the next person.

Here’s what I learned:

1. Get rid of your cell phone. Well, right off the bat we’re in territory that doesn’t apply to me at all. While he nailed the $100/month rate that I pay, my cell is my ONLY phone so getting rid of it would be impossible. Add to the fact that I have unlimited minutes/services, that my family lives thousands of miles away and that I need to be in contact with my server monitor 24/7, this is one tip I’ll have to pass on.
2. Get rid of your second or third car. Er again, does not apply. Who the heck has three cars? While I have and can live without a car, the time that I save is well above and beyond the cost. 0 for 2 so far.
3. Stop eating out. Now, I totally agree with this one. When I stop eating prepared meals and cook for myself, not only do I find myself with a lot more money, but a little less weight as well. Cooking for yourself is so much healthier, even if you have Kraft dinner every night. At least you’re in some control.
4. Stop buying new clothes. Another winner! I had to forcibly stop my mother from buying me clothes last time she visited and had to allow her to purchase me novelty socks just to sooth her. What Yeager didn’t add was the “buy at thrift stores” addendum that makes adding to your wardrobe a frugal and charitable act.
5. Don’t pay for college room and board. Hmmm. This seems to fly directly in the face of #2, unless you’re lucky enough to live on a bus line with a route to a state university, you’re going to need either R&B or a car. I lived within  walking distance of a wonderful college, that was over $20K per year in tuition. I’m all for families staying together longer and losing the “out at 18″ mentality, but something’s gotta give.

So, what’s my final score, 2  out of 5, not bad considering my track record for television advice. I wonder when people will realize that not all (perhaps not even the majority) of people watching their newscast aren’t living in an over-mortgaged home with 2.3 children and five credit cards.

Some of us just don’t need your advice, I suppose.

On the other hand, I’m sure Mr. Yeager wouldn’t mind if I bought his book second-hand, right?