Do you know where your money goes each month? Stretching your dollars may seem impossible, but as you find flexible and creative ways to cut costs, you'll begin to see your savings add up. Here are several tips for saving more money.- Keep track of what you spend. Use a free money management program like Mint, Wesabe or Mvelopes. These Web sites can help you budget, save and build wealth.
- Pay bills online. Putting bills on an automatic payment plan means you won't forget the deadlines, eliminating late fees.
- Refinance your auto loan. If you're paying a high interest rate for financing a car, refinancing could make sense if you still have several years of payments. Various lenders offer auto refinancing, but two places to start are Capital One and up2drive.
- Brown bag your lunch. All those lunches add up over time, and if you often hit the vending machines you are literally throwing money away. Stock up on your own snacks and spend a few minutes in the evening putting together a healthy lunch. You'll save money and eat better.
- Shop from the bottom shelves. Grocery stores place fancier, more expensive brands at eye level to reel you in. Bend down and pick up less expensive store brands to save big bucks at the cash register.
- Shop for a new cell phone plan. Prepaid plans are becoming more popular as people do away with lengthy contracts. Decide which features you actually need and don't pay for those you never use. Visit Letstalk to compare plans and features.
- Buy generic prescriptions. Unless your doctor has specified a brand-name medicine, you can save money with the generic version. Find out if your employer has a mail-order plan for medicines you regularly use to cut your costs further.
- Save on gas. Look for the best prices on gas in your area at Gasbuddy. Skip buying the premium grade of gas unless your car really requires it.
- Adjust your tax withholding. Receiving large income tax refunds is a sign that you need to fill out a new W-4 form. Receiving a refund basically means that you've given the government an interest-free loan.
- Become a coupon clipper. Don't just stick with coupons in the newspaper. Visit store and manufacturer Web sites for additional savings. Web sites like Coupon Mom and Deal Seeking Mom offer links to coupons, rebates, freebies and money-saving tips.
In the Bible, Haggai 1:5-6 says, "Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Give careful thought to your ways. ... You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it" (NIV). Saving money requires a commitment to make wise decisions about money. Shop around for good deals and refrain from making impulse purchases.
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