| Saving money and paying off debts can be difficult, | | | | When winding down in the evening, a glass of wine |
| but cutting back on day to day expenses makes the | | | | feels like it helps. But even if you limit the wine to |
| process easier. Implementing one or two ideas is all | | | | just 2 nights a week, make sure the cost over a |
| that's needed to get you started on the path to | | | | year is worth the feeling. |
| better banking. And you'll be rewarded with more | | | | 6. Pack a lunch |
| money in your pocket at the end of the day. Here | | | | Eating out is expensive, and your local sandwich deli is |
| are a few simple tips that will help you get more of | | | | charging twice as much as it costs to make a |
| your money in the bank and working for you. | | | | sandwich at home. You'll also be eating healthier and |
| 1. Avoid the lottery | | | | saving money at the same time. |
| Winning millions is a nice dream, but the chances are | | | | 7. Watch the home improvements |
| extremely slim. Instead of attempting to win the | | | | Improving your home is a favorite activity of many |
| jackpot each week, invest that money and earn | | | | home owners, but expenses add up fast. So unless |
| interest on it. Over 30 years you'll have built up a | | | | you're adding considerable value to your home, your |
| sizable jackpot for yourself. | | | | time and money may be better spent on gardening |
| 2. Review your vacations | | | | or growing your own healthy foods. |
| Taking an extravagant vacation more than once a | | | | 8. Credit cards |
| year starts to add up fast. Plan ahead, especially if | | | | Credit cards make impulse buying easier. Watch what |
| you have many people going on vacation with you. | | | | you spend your money on, especially if there are |
| 3. Old fashioned music | | | | fees associated with charging big ticket items to your |
| Music is everywhere, and convenient to purchase | | | | card. |
| online. But you can easily spend a lot of money on | | | | 9. Give up coffee |
| songs you may not listen to regularly. Try listening to | | | | For a cup of coffee every day before work, you |
| the radio, or if you want to stay digital, look into the | | | | could easily spend more than $800 a year. Try a less |
| multitude of free online radio stations broadcasting all | | | | expensive beverage, or look to alternatives for that |
| your favorite genres and songs for free. | | | | morning caffeine rush. |
| 4. Working out | | | | 10. Cut back on TV |
| Gym memberships are expensive, and you must be | | | | If you don't watch TV very much, there's no need |
| honest about its worth. If you're not getting any | | | | to pay for it. A monthly cable bill for more than what |
| value out of it, take a walk outside; explore your | | | | you need is not necessary. Especially with a solid |
| neighborhood or a local park. | | | | internet connection, there are plenty of other ways |
| 5. Luxury drinks | | | | to relax, both online and offline. |