Little things that eat up your paycheck: if the joy of being flush with dough on payday seems more fleeting than ever, read on. We point out sneaky cash suckers and offer tips on stretching your hard-earned dollars.(You You You)(Brief article)

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You don't need us to tell you that right now, it's smart to function on a leaner, meaner budget. But it's hard to do that when you're oblivious to where all your cash goes. Well, stop scratching your head, and consult this list of innocent little expenses that may be, siphoning off your bottom line. The great news: With a few tweaks here and there, you can keep your wallet fatter for longer.

IRS withholdings. Many people have money withheld from their paychecks in the hopes of getting a fat refund. But doing that is like giving the government an interest-free loan. Instead, change your W4 filing--just ask your employer for a new form--so that you get as much money as possible up front. Then discipline yourself to put that portion in the bank, where you'll earn interest.

Dry cleaning. Dropping off your nice clothes at the cleaners can cost $5 or more per item ... and that adds up. But thanks to such products as Tide Total Care and Dryel, you can give TLC to your finer duds while using your home washing machine and dryer. They both cost under $15, will clean at least 16 garments, and can be found at your local drugstore.

Gym memberships. Belonging to a decent gym costs at least $50 a month--whether or not you use it. Keep your butt in tight shape by joining a running club. Not only will you meet lots of new people and get to breathe fresh air, but you'll also often pay significantly less (some are free!). Check out rrca.org for one in your area.

Groceries. Coupons aren't just for grandmas; they can save you beaucoup bucks too. It's best to use them for staples you always need: eggs, milk, bread, etc. They've even gone high tech, so you can skip flipping through the paper and just search clipngo coupons.com.

Eating out. Catching up with friends over dinner is something no girl should have to give up. But you can enjoy the fun vibe of a restaurant without racking up a big bill by eating bar food instead of pricey entrees.