How to Save Money by Changing your Daily Habits

If you find yourself struggling just to make ends meet, or perhaps even deciding which bills to pay on time over others, it is time to take stock of your finances. A good place to start is looking at your daily spending habits. You don't need to join a monastery and live like a monk to get by; there are ways to save money without doing anything too drastic. Here are some ideas on how to change your daily habits and save money.

Instructions

1. Waste less at home. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth, the lights in the rooms that no one is in, and the air conditioning or heat when you are not home (unless you have pets, in which case you should ask your vet for advice). Also, make sure you turn off your computer, radio and other electronics when you are not using them. These simple steps can save you in utility bills and over time, you will see those savings adding up.

2. Stop reaching for the credit card and start paying with cash. Credit cards should be saved for emergencies, and not as your primary source of buying power. If you find that you can't purchase an item without one, then you should ask if you really need it and if you find that you do, save until you can afford it. This first simple step will reveal to you just how to live within your means.

3. Put a lid on your latte addiction. While the convenience can make a convincing argument, your daily latte fix can cost you a few bucks a day, which adds up. Use the office coffee pot, and save the espresso drinks for when you can really savor them by skipping the chain store and going to a real coffee house once a week with a friend.

4. Pack your own lunch for work while you're at it. If you went out during the work week and paid 5 to 10 dollars for lunch during the week, you will save anywhere from 25 to 50 dollars a week, which means 1,200 to 2,400 dollars a year. Save your money for other occasions.

5. Gather friends for a weekend brunch or dinner, and have each bring a dish or drink. Not only will you get to host in the comfort of your own home, but you can also avoid long waits for a table, overworked waitresses and tacked-on charges that appear on your bill. Rotate among your crowd so that everyone gets a chance to host.

6. Take charge of your health. If you brush and floss regularly, you will save on dental work. Stop smoking, and you will not only save money on the cigarettes themselves, but you'll save yourself from future visits to the doctor's office. Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, and you will be more productive at work, which draws attention to personal performance and quite possibly a raise from your boss. Choose healthy foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy, and your immune system will be stronger, your mind more focused and your overall health will improve. While healthy foods might seem more expensive than fast food, the long-term health benefits are far greater (less reliance on expensive prescription drugs to "fix" your health problems).

7. Use public transportation when you can to save on gas and mileage on your car, or better yet, break out your bike or walk on your own two feet. Not only will this save you money, but exercise improves your overall health. If your area truly lacks a reliable public transportation system and biking or walking isn't feasible, consider carpooling with your neighbors or coworkers.

8. Save a percentage of your paycheck and deposit into a savings account. Ten percent is a good amount, but if that's too much, save what you can and you'll find that it adds up.

9. Dust off your library card and start using it to check out books, as well as have access to magazines, newspapers and even CD and DVD rentals.