I know. I know. The best way to save money on fast food is to NOT eat it.

And yet, the drive-up window beckons even the most frugal among us on occasion.

So we want to hear how you dine on fast food without busting the budget.

Smartphones may not be the most frugal choice. But let's face it, more and more of us have succumbed to their lure in our mobile society.

So why not put that pricey gadget to work for you saving time and money.

With the simple download of an app, you can save big money on any number of every day purchases, including gas, Internet fees, groceries, DVDs, books, toys, clothes and dinner out.

The potential for savings is even greater when you're traveling and unfamiliar with the retail terrain. Best of all, most money-saving apps can be downloaded free.

Here are a few of my favorite frugal-minded apps. All of them are free and are available for both the iPhone and Android phones:

The folks who make the cooking spray Pam are offering you a chance to try their new and improved spray for free.

According to the Pam website, the company will refund the cost of your can of "new and improved formula" Pam (up to $4) if you aren't convinced it's "better than the bargain brand."

Click here to go to the website and download your rebate form.

You must mail the form along with a cash register receipt showing you made your  purchase between Oct. 1, 2011 and April 27, 2012.

If you prefer Pam over the off-brand, I recommend mailing in your rebate form with a hand-written note complimenting the product but telling them you'd still like to participate in the rebate.

I've done this numerous times before and always received my rebates.

As a cheapskate, I'm tempted to tell you the best way to save money on the 2011 N.C. State Fair is to STAY HOME.

But I know I'd pretty much be run out of town, if not the state, for uttering such a thought. So I'm going to give you my best tips for holding on to as much of your hard-earned cash as possible while still enjoying/enduring your time at the fair.

Cold weather puts many outdoor activities on hiatus, but that doesn't mean participants stop preparing for next season.

Many area recreational sports organizations keep busy through the winter by planning and conducting benefit events to raise funds to pay for equipment, facilities, travel, entry fees or any of the many expenses affiliated with their activities.

Here are three fundraisers coming up over the next three weekends:

Here's a great way to save money while you sharpen your skills for your spring golf league: free greens fees.

The News & Observer soon will be selling a buy-one-get-one golf card for $69.

Golfers who pay regular price for one greens fee get the second greens fee for free.

In his 13 years working for the Town of Cary, Interim Town Manager Ben Shivar says he can't recall a year in which the Town Council has held its annual retreat at home. But in a slow economy, money talks.

"The main thing for this year is that, given the current economic situation, the council felt it was important to hold the cost as low as possible," Shivar said.

In keeping with that idea, Cary's council and staff have indeed traded what might be viewed by some as the luxuries of the past -- in recent years, the council has stayed at swanky hotels in Southern Pines and Wilmington -- for the comforts of home. This year's retreat is being held at the Embassy Suites Raleigh-Durham on Harrison Oaks Boulevard.

A cost analysis provided by the town shows that Cary has trimmed its costs for the retreat by about $5,000 when compared to 2008. The total estimated costs this year are $12,900.61. Last year, the town spent $17,954.24.

The biggest savings this year came in the area of hotel costs, which have been estimated at $3,921.65. That's less than half of the $8,622.08 Cary spent on its 2008 retreat at the Mid-Pines Hotel in Southern Pines.

Valiria Willis, Cary's human resources manager, said the difference could be attributed to the fact that no council members or town employees are staying at the hotel. The bill this year primarily includes the costs of food and reservations, she said.

Another break from tradition: Council and staff held only one dinner social this year. On Friday, the Town Council and town employees dined at Maximilian's on Chapel Hill Road at an approximate cost of $978.96.

Also factored into this year's retreat costs are $7,000 to pay for a facilitator and $1,000 in miscellaneous expenses, including travel costs for two guest speakers.