Easiest way and this is what I do is put it in neutral when you know you are coming to a stop or slowing down ( This is when you have enough time and room to do so). That way you know that you can stop or slow down without holding on the clutch as you are in gear just press the brake. As you need to pick up speed then shift as you need to and accelerate. You can also keep your foot on the clutch and brake then up shift to the right gear as you slow down ( I do this in slower traffic like bumper to bumper on streets or freeway ) but the other way would save more on the clutch. like the guy above said make sure not to ride the clutch.