CLEVELAND -- If you're still trimming the family budget to cope with the recession, there's a new report showing many families are trimming too much. Some experts said consumers are cutting corners where they shouldn't.

Jean Stacy is one of many shoppers spending more time at Walmart these days to save money.

"I'm cutting back on Christmas," Stacy said. "Instead of gifts, I'm doing more practical things like getting what the kids need."

Cutting back when money is tight is a smart move but the Wall Street Journal reported while it's a good idea to cut back on spending when money is tight, there are some things you should never scrimp on.

So where is it safe and not safe to trim the budget?

The Wall Street Journal reports that good places to scrimp include:

• Clothing
• Airfare
• Magazines
• Dinners out
• Paper products
• DVDs, CDs and video games

When it comes to basics like food for the dinner table, a little substitution is ok, too. For example, ground turkey instead of ground beef.

But the Wall Street Journal report warns that if you scrimp too much, it can come back to haunt you.

The report suggests you do not cut back on:

• Pots and pans
• Healthy food
• Auto and home insurance
• 401k contributions
• Tax and legal help
• Doctors visits

The Wall Street Journal article said the Web is great for advice, but it shouldn't replace a professional like a lawyer, accountant or doctor.