by Dawn Crystal

Created on: February 13, 2009

In today's economy, we are all trying to find creative and effective ways to save money. The following are just a few tips that will help you save a little here and there, adding up to a large chunk of change!

1. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's). CFL's last about 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, and will save approximately $45 per bulb over its lifetime.

2. Make a grocery list. By having a list when you arrive at the grocery store, you will cut out spending on the items you don't necessarily need.

3. Pay off your credit cards each month. Paying your credit cards in full each month could save you quite a bit of money. If that's not possible right now, pay as much as you can, and do not use your cards unless absolutely necessary. Once it is paid off, only put on it what you know you can afford for the month.

4. Limit the meals you eat out. Cooking at home is much cheaper than picking up dinner on the way home.

5. Buy generic. Many generic products contain the exact same ingredients as name brand products. Vitamins, paper products, and drinks are all good products to start with.

6. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Properly inflated tires will save on the amount of gas your vehicle uses.

7. Unplug items after using them. Unplugging your hair dryer, straightener, and other items throughout the house that don't need constant electricity will slash your energy bill. I even unplug my microwave when it is not in use.

8. Pay your bills online. Paying bills online saves the cost of stamps to send those bills, as well as envelopes that may be needed to mail them. With all the bills we pay monthly, this could cut about $60 annually.

9. Make your own coffee. Getting up just a few minutes earlier in the morning to make your own coffee rather than stopping on the way to work can save almost $1000 a year for avid coffee drinkers!

10. Become a Netflix member. If you are an avid movie-watcher, places like Netflix are much cheaper than renting or going to the theater. You can even add movies to your queue that have not even come out in theaters yet.

11. Buy in bulk. Buying items in bulk that you know you will always need, like toilet paper, paper towels, and soap will cut down on costs.

12. Get rid of your phone. If you have a home phone - a first or second line - that you don't use very often, cut it off and stick to just your cell phone. Make sure your cell phone plan has enough minutes though, to avoid paying fees if you go over your minutes.

13. Pay on time. Pay your bills on time to avoid late fees.

14. Be conscious of your accounts. Keep enough money in your checking accounts to avoid overdraft fees.

15. Stop smoking. Smokers often times spend up to $1000 annually on cigarettes.

While this list is by no means comprehensive, it should give you a good running start to bulking up your wallet. Be creative in your spending and saving habits, and you'll begin to see a difference in your bank account. Happy saving!

Learn more about this author, Dawn Crystal.
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