In these difficult times, frugality is fashionable for shoppers, and businesses are eager to attract customers. This can mean bargains for you. Here are six ways to stretch your hard-earned paycheck.

Purchase a home at a discount. Scottsdale, Arizona, financial advisor Trent Lickteig recommends the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program, which helps educators, among other service professionals, purchase a home for just half of the sales price. Arranged by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the program allows qualifying educators to take out a loan for 50% of a property’s value. The government assumes the other half. If you keep the home as your primary residence for at least 3 years, they forgive their portion. “This can be a tremendous jump start to equity in real estate and reducing overall expenses on a monthly basis,” says Lickteig.

Reduce your phone bill. If you’ve had the same cell phone plan and provider for years, call the company and ask about today’s offerings. Insist on the lowest rates, make sure you have the right number of minutes for your lifestyle, and drop all unnecessary services. If your service is still too expensive, shop around for a new provider. Right now, competition for your business is fierce. Also consider a bundled plan that combines local, long distance and wireless phone service with Internet and TV. These programs can shave 30% or more from the overall cost of these expenses. They also allow you to reduce the number of bills you have to deal with. Another option is to get rid of your landline altogether. “Many people are now using their cell phones in place of a home phone,” says Danny Kofke, author of “How to Survive (and Perhaps Thrive) on a Teacher’s Salary.” Doing so can save at least $50 each month.

Bargain with cash. There’s nothing inherently wrong with using plastic for purchases—it’s just a little too easy to rely on it when money is tight. Paying with cash eliminates interest costs, and can even secure you a deal on major purchases. “Lots of stores are hurting and willing to negotiate prices—especially if you are using cash,” notes Kofke. He gives an example of a client who wanted a flat screen television set, which listed at $1,000. By offering $700 on the spot, he saved $300 and paid no financing fees. Though not all retailers will do this, it’s a perfect example of how the current economic environment can actually help keep more money in your pocket even as you’re shopping.

Use online coupons. Virtually every major (and minor) retailer has a website and most offer coupons only accessible online. For example, you can reduce your grocery bill by visiting your supermarket’s website, locating the coupon section, shopping online and then having it all sent to your home. Delivery is often free if you purchase above a certain amount, making it a tremendous time, gas and money saver. As an NEA member, you also have access to the Click & Save program. There’s no cost to enroll in this exclusive shopping service, and once you’re online, you and your family have access to instant discounts at hundreds of stores.

Borrow, don’t buy. If you don’t need something permanently, consider simply borrowing it. Your local library, for instance, is far more than a resource for books. You can access CDs and DVDs, obtain passes to inexpensive local events, take free classes, and find tutorials for children. You can also use what you borrow in your classroom and save a lot on supplementary expenses.

Bank on your credit union. Why pay for a checking account, or pay higher rates for your car or home loan? As an active credit union member, you can get the best rates and least expensive banking services around. Not only that, the very mission of a credit union is to provide support and education to their members. Most offer personal finance workshops where you can learn about money and credit management from the experts—for free.

These are just a few techniques to get the most out of your paycheck. After all, it is not how much you make but how well you plan and spend your money that leads to financial success.