Saving money doesn't have to be difficult. Small lifestyle changes reap big benefits when practiced regularly. Here are 15 easy way to save money.

1. Clip coupons. To make your coupon clipping more worthwhile check out www.thegrocerygame.com or www.couponmom.com.

2. Utilize public transportation. Depending on where you live and work, this may or may not work for you, but many people find that public transportation not only saves money, but reduces stress. Concerned about the extra time that you'll spend commuting? Then use that time wisely by reading, balancing your checkbook, studying, etc.

3. Turn down your thermostat 2 degrees in the winter and up 2 degrees in the summer. The slight change won't really be felt by you, but you'll notice the change in your electric bill.

4. Run clothes in your dryer for only 5 minutes, then remove the clothing, hang it up on plastic hangers (to avoid rust) and then allow to air dry. Not only will you save electricity, your clothing will be less wrinkled.

5. Split restaurant meals with a friend or family member. Not only will you pay half as much, you'll also reduce your calorie intake. If you don't have anyone to share with, ask your server for a container, and before you even begin eating, cut the portions in half and immediately put half in the container to eat another day. Another way to save money at a restaurant is to opt for water, rather than another beverage. This especially makes a difference when feeding a family. Not only will the basic bill be reduced, but the tip amount will be reduced as well.

6. Drop your gym membership and replace it with exercise DVDs. This is not advisable for those who find that they thrive in a more social setting, but if you go to the gym for nothing more than exercise, you may find exercising at home to be just as enjoyable and profitable. I'm personally exercising more since I started exercising at home, because without travel time to and from the gym, I'm able to exercise six days a week rather than only three.

7. Pack your lunch and take it to work rather than eating out. If your place of employment has plenty of room to store food, bring all the food you'll need to work on Monday, so you don't have to deal with packing a lunch daily.

8. Meet friends for coffee rather than for a meal. Social times often include time in restaurants, but even if you go to an upscale coffee shop, you'll spend less than you would on a lunch or dinner date.

9. Plant

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for living a frugal lifestyle?
We want to hear your view. Write now!