Saving money should be about you or the ones you love. I am writing about long term saving. The short term makes you feel good for a while (saving for a trip or some thing) but you are left as drained as the account when the money is gone. In the long run It is better to look toward the future.

Taking 25$ a week can add up to a lot over the years. Take the time to think about your needs and wants. Ask yourself If you really NEED that item, odds are you probably don't. Take that money and put it in the savings.

I have always been a saver. I have also found it hard to save if living with a spender. If this is your case then maybe you should have a untouchable account. One in which you can add money but not subtract.

There are a few ways I have found that help me save for myself.

Take the money for eating out and put it away, then go to the store and buy lunches and snacks that can go with you. I have found buying things like green peppers and putting into individual containers for on the go activities really cuts down on the trips to fast food. If you bring your own tote bags for you food to Meijer they will give you .10 cents per bag that you fill. Instead of eating out marinate some meat in a favorite dressing for 24 hours. You will have the taste with the money still in you pocket. You can have the taste without the waste (of money).

Renting videos is something I love to do. I have found that if you rent One or more a week you are paying enough to sign up for netflix or the blockbuster video services. For the price you are paying for four videos a week you could be getting unlimited video rental.

Gas money! I suggest taking one day a week and doing all you errands at once. Make a list in the most efficient driving route. This will save on gas and save you from driving all over the place. If you can walk.

For those of you with younger children...they go through clothes like crazy. Childhood is messy and young kids don't care what they wear. Go to the garage sales...If this is not an option for you shop a season ahead of time. This year I bough a winter coat for my three year old (for next season)for 10$ and it was originally 65$ (nike brand). There is nothing wrong with hand-me-downs. Your kids will survive.

Energy use can be a huge expense. Buy the more officiant lite bulbs and make sure everyone in the house is opening shades during the day. Throw a sweatshirt on and turn down the heat. Turn off the computer if it is going to sit more than 20 minutes. Unplug things that are not being used. Do not let your cell phone charger sit on plugged in. Gas fireplaces run up the bill, use sparingly.

Watch the cell phone usage...do not go over your minutes. Take your cable down to basic. Instead of going out have a bonfire outside with your spouse. Get outside it's free and you will feel energized and save money. There are so many things you can do to save money if you think about it. Make a plan and customize it to your life. Times are not getting any easier...we are the ones who need to make the changes to ensure our lives will be comfortable later in life. Live in the now and the later.

Learn more about this author, Amy Smith.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Saving and putting yourself first?
We want to hear your view. Write now!