Do you consider yourself to be part of the middle class? Five years after experiencing the worst recession since the Great Depression, millions of Americans remain unemployed, real wages have become stagnant, and fewer families can afford to buy median-priced homes.

A recent poll of 1,504 adults from thePew Research Centerfound that the proportion of Americans who identify as being part of the middle class has never been lower, dropping to 44 percent from 53 percent in 2008 during the first months of the Great Recession.

With income inequality growing over the past decade, it's no surprise that more Americans choose to not identify themselves as middle class. As health and education costs rise, an increasing number of Americans middle class or not might struggle with another battle: saving.

"Only about one-third of Americans are living within their means and think they are prepared for the long term financial future," said Stephen Brobeck, executive director of the Consumer Federation of America. "One-third are living within their means but are often not prepared for this long-term future. And one-third are struggling to live within their means."

The CFA recently conducted a survey assessing household savings and found that despite the economic recovery, most Americans continue to face significant personal savings challenges. Only about one-third of Americans said they were making "good" or "excellent" progress meeting their savings needs while nearly two-thirds said they were making only "fair" or "no" progress.

With so many Americans struggling to save, finding ways to cut down on expenses is imperative. While big lifestyle changes like getting rid of your car or taking on a second job can help Americans save money, it's not a realistic expectation for most people. Instead, everyday Americans might have to find ways to cut costs on the little things, which could end up making a big difference in the long run. Here are 10 everyday items and services that you can save money on by never paying full price:

1. BooksWe've all heard that chain bookstores are dying and one reason for their collapse is brand new books simply cost too much. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2012 consumers spent about $110 on reading materials. That's money you can deposit into your checking account.

Why buy new books when you can just shop for used ones? Online retailers like Amazon or ThriftBooks now make it easier than ever before to buy used. Not to mention the many used bookstores that you probably never enter. Oh, and it might be worth your time and pocketbook to visit that building with all the books inside. It's called the library.

2. CableOne way you can seriously save money is cutting your cable bill. According to a Federal Trade Commission report, the average basic cable package cost was $61.63 in 2012. That adds up to more than $700 each year.

Sure, the boob tube provides endless hours of mindless entertainment, but it's not a necessity. And these days you can watch tons of free episodes online and even stream your favorite TV shows on network websites (albeit, a day or more after they have aired). Not to mention Hulu Plus and Netflix are both affordable alternatives that cost just $7.99 per month. That adds up to less than $100 per year.

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Never Pay Full Price for These 10 Everyday Services and Items

Handyman Services NJ : Testimonial Regency Cleaning Services
http://regencycleaning.us Regency Cleaning, LLC is a commercial cleaning company located in New Jersey. We provide professional cleaning services in the Big ...

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Courtesy, Brad Driml

BRAD DRIML, right, works with his assistant Travis Davis on a sliding glass door. Last month, Driml started a handyman business to do many types of odd jobs. Both he and Davis live in Kearney.

Brad Driml and his assistant, Travis Davis, can do small handyman and household chores that do not involve heating, wiring, plumbing and electrical systems. He can be reached at 293-0790 or http://www.thegotoguys.biz.

Posted: Monday, July 14, 2014 1:45 pm

Driml nails down a new career as a GoToGuy By MARY JANE SKALA Hub Staff Writer Kearney Hub

KEARNEY Brad Driml spends his days adjusting doorknobs, hanging pictures and putting new rocking chairs together, and he couldnt be happier.

He has started his own handyman business, The GoToGuys Home Services LLC.

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Brisbane Centenary Western Suburbs Graceville Qualified Carpenter Local Handyman Services
Brisbane Centenary Western Suburbs Gracevile Qualified Carpenter Local Handyman Services Steve The Handyman Based in Gracevile , Steve East is your local Han...

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Are you looking for a qualified professional handyman for your personal or commercial needs? Finding the right handyman can be a daunting task. Let us help y...

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Welcome to Thornton Home Improvement, Inc. M.H.I.C. and E.P.A. Lead Certified Company. Member of Better Business Bureau and Angies #39; List. We have been in operating now for 15 years now. From...

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July 11, 2014 | 4:47 p.m.

After months of delays, a homeless man accused of killing a 54-year-old Costa Mesa resident has agreed to talk to court-appointed psychologists who will evaluate whether he's fit to stand trial, according to his lawyer.

Christopher Leovy, 34, is accused of bludgeoning a handyman to death in the driveway of a Costa Mesa home on Hamilton Street in September.

Leovy pleaded not guilty to a murder charge later that month, but the trial has been on hold since his lawyer said Leovy was suffering from hallucinations and possibly paranoid schizophrenia.

Court officials twice appointed psychologists to examine Leovy, and twice he refused to see them.

That won't happen again, according to his lawyer.

"Now he's agreed to talk to the [psychologists]," attorney Joel Tamraz said after conferring with Leovy, who has grown a full scraggly beard while behind bars.

Commissioner Christopher J. Evans reappointed the doctors to interview Leovy and submit their reports before an August hearing.

Leovy is also charged with felony battery on a police officer connected to his arrest.

Police previously said they believe Leovy who is originally from Los Angeles was staying at a sober-living home in Costa Mesa before becoming homeless.

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Better at Home provides services to help seniors stay independent.

image credit: Contributed

The goal of the provincial government is now to keep seniors living comfortably in their own homes, with the proper supports, for as long as they are able.

Recently, Health Minister Terry Lake announced an additional $2 million in funding for United Ways Better at Home program, which provides non-medical supports to help seniors remain independent in their homes for as long as possible.

Seniors have given so much to our lives and our communities and government is committed to supporting them to remain in their homes and out of hospital as long as possible, said Lake, who made the announcement at a symposium for seniors organized by ONCORE, a Better at Home service provider.

The services provided by the Better at Home program reflect the ministrys strategic focus on strengthening home and community care.

To date, government has provided $22 million in funding to enhance and support the operations of the Better at Home program, which now operates in 60 communities throughout B.C.

One of those communities is Maple Ridge. Some of the local services include:

- Transportation services tailored to meet the needs of seniors who are living in their own homes and require transportation to medical appointments. Shopping services encourage seniors to accompany volunteers on shopping outings.

- Visiting services provides friendly visits to seniors in their homes.

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Supports for seniors to stay home longer

Syracuse, NY -- The trial for a Syracuse man accused of shooting a handyman to death during an attempted robbery in May 2013 is set to begin later this month.

Lynnquan Kellam, of 622 West Brighton Ave., was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon in the death of Arthur D. Bullock.

Bullock was shot and killed while trying to help two men being robbed on his front porch, Syracuse police said at the time.

Bullock, 54, of 142 Fage Ave., walked out onto his front porch at about 1:50 a.m. May 31. He found his friends being robbed, Fowler said.

The robber, who police said was Kellam, then confronted Bullock. They fought and Bullock was shot in the head. He later died at Upstate University Hospital, according to police. Kellam and Bullock were strangers, police said.

Kellam's case will go to trial beginning July 21 in Onondaga County Judge Joseph Fahey's court. Fahey expects the trial to last more than a week. Jury selection will be begin at 10:45 a.m. July 21.

Defense lawyer Don Kelly argued in December 2013 that his client was also shot during the same attempted robbery. He said Kellam was grazed by a bullet to his shoulder.

The murder of Bullock, a popular handyman among his neighbors led to grief and fear after his death.

Sarah Moses covers the northern suburbs of Onondaga County and Oswego County. Contact Sarah at smoses@syracuse.com or 470-2298. Follow @SarahMoses315

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Trial to begin later this month for suspect in Syracuse handyman murder