(ARA) - Trying to lose weight could cost you a lot of money - gym memberships, special diet foods, exercise equipment for your home or even hiring a personal trainer.

But there are ways you can lose weight without spending a lot of money. You will still need dedication, time and a willingness to make changes in your life to achieve your goal. Here are some inexpensive ways to lose weight and stay fit:

(ARA) - About 4.5 million Americans wear braces or other dental appliances to straighten their teeth, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Many more - an estimated 50 to 75 percent of the population - have some form of malocclusion or misaligned teeth and could benefit from orthodontic treatment.

The majority of orthodontic patients are children or teenagers - commonly starting treatment between 9 and 14 years of age. Now, however, with innovative treatment alternatives to traditional metal braces, more adults are opting to go into treatment. One in five patients is an adult age 18 or older, according to the AAO, and many parents are going into treatment with their children, which can be a great way to save time by scheduling joint appointments. Invisalign clear braces are available for adults and teens, and can save even more time with shorter and fewer office visits. Orthodontists consistently say that anyone with healthy teeth and gums can straighten their smile at any time, regardless of age.

(ARA) - For many, the new year is synonymous with a new wardrobe, with closets stocked with the fruits of holiday sales.

But with the economy struggling, many people are forgoing the new duds this year. In fact, a survey conducted by Cotton, Inc. found that 45 percent of people held back on buying clothing this year.

Still, there are ways to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank. A thrifty, environmentally conscious and fun new trend may provide the perfect answer. It's called clothing swap, and thousands of people are finding that it offers the perfect way for them to refresh their wardrobe. Rather than shop at a store, they shop in other people's closets.

(ARA) - Winter brings its own set of skin challenges. Although you might associate breakouts with summer months when your skin produces sweat and excess oil, acne can be just as troublesome in the winter.

"Acne is a chronic condition that doesn't take a break with the seasons -- so continue treating it even in the winter months," say Drs. Kathy Fields and Katie Rodan, board certified dermatologists and co-developers of Proactiv Solution.

When you're choosing a remedy for your winter acne, keep in mind that just as important as what the ingredients are, is how those ingredients - and how much of them - work together in your treatment.

You can care for your skin and look your best this winter if you keep some important information in mind about acne and acne treatments.

The active ingredient in your acne treatment is the reason it works. All acne medications have a tendency to cause dryness because they target oil on the skin. While this may not be an issue during the summer months when skin is often oily, winter is a different story. Cold, windy weather coupled with indoor forced-air heating systems cause disruption of the skin's outer barrier, frequently leading to sensitive skin.