I was wondering if anyone had some tips on how to lower image file size without have to make the image itself smaller but still maintaining a crisp image. I use photoshop CS2 and lately I am having problems staying with in RR small size limit but still keeping a decent sized image.

Use the "save for web" option

then "optimize to file size"

Thanks, I new the option was going to be looking me in the face

I use always save as....most of the time I use this size 1100x733 
but if you use save for web
you can use the option:
 
Maxium
very high
high
medium
low

it depends how many KB the image is 
if it is more than 512 then USE VERY HIGH

Actually, one of the best ways is to use "save for web", select 4-up tab.  It will then show you your image at 4 different levels of compression.
Then....leave the setting on JPEG, maximum.....NOW...adjust the quality setting downwards from 100%.  As you adjust the setting down, the highlighted screen will update to show you your image at that new quality setting.  It will also show you the file size directly underneath that image....so, if you want to get it to 250kb, .....adjust the quality setting downwards until the file size shows 250kb.....then hit SAVE!

yeah it is working out great

Lower file sizes with the same size upload don't translate into too much degradation on the web..at least the sizes I post.  For forum, an 800 x 600 shot is large enough without introducing much scrolling for the viewer and can easily go to less than 200kb and be fine for viewing.

When a pic is so large it cannot be viewed in the screen of the monitor, scrolling takes bite out of the impact.   So, size to 800 to 900 wide is my suggestion. Panoramas are a different breed and we expect to scroll to see those.    Just my 3 cents worth.       TomDart.

@Tomdart, my major problem was getting 800x600 pictures under the 512 restriction photoshop was killing me when I saved them.