I’ve been getting a lot of e-mails from desperate folks who are short on cash and are hoping against hope that they can get a raise at work.  But just in case they can’t, over at Brazen Careerist, Alex Fisher has some great ideas for saving money during the current economic downturn.  Among my favorites:

Replace your light bulbs with CFLs: For the time when you legitimately need the lights on, you should be using light bulbs that don’t waste the majority of their energy on heat instead of light. Compact Fluorescent Lights, or CFLs, use an electrical charge and gas to produce light instead of a heating element like incandescent lights.

Use Linux: Chances are you don’t need to spend money on a Microsoft or Macintosh operating system if you find yourself doing simple things like web browsing, word processing, and listening to music. Check-\ out Ubuntu Linux. It’s helped bring Linux closer to the average computer user in its ease of use and clean looking user interface.

Buy rechargeable batteries: These are great for things like digital cameras, Xbox controllers, and mp3 players especially.

Check your tires for correct inflation: You’ll use more gas if your tires are improperly inflated. The extra friction and heat caused by low tires require greater work from your engine and will require you to buy more tires more frequently.

Drop subscription TV altogether: Replace it with an HDTV antenna or watch online at ABC, Fox, ESPN360, and other sites that offer the same and even extra content online.

Dine at home on your next date: Hit the store, bond while making pasta, get a bottle of wine, and put on some great music.

Drink office coffee: If you load it up with cream and sugar anyway, it might not make any difference at all what kind of coffee you’re drinking.

Revise your insurance policies: Things like keeping a fire extinguisher in your home, a blinking light on your car dash, and a safe driving record can save you money on your insurance policies, but only if you let your insurer know!