By Jacob Joseph

HOW TO SAVE MONEY

Saving money can be a very difficult task, especially for those that have a
hard time making ends meet. Featured below are some simple suggestions on how to
cut back on expenses, making it simpler for you and your family to put at least
a few dollars into savings every month. Remember, a penny saved is a penny
earned!

- Never spend more than what you earn. This may entail you altering your
existing way of life.

- Look to generate more income by either getting a second job and/or by asking
your existing employer for a raise.

- Put together a budget and stick to it!

- Resist the temptation of spending money just because you have it! This means
no buying on impulse! Or, buying items that you don't need!

- Limit your credit card use to emergencies only.

- If you encompass significant credit card debt, think about seeking help from a
Consumer Credit Counseling agency.

- Are you still paying off your student loans? If you are, consider checking out
a student loan consolidation program.

- If you are a homeowner, consider refinancing your home loan to a reduced
interest rate.

- Do you have a car loan? Have you thought about refinancing?

- Once a year, you should compare your auto and homeowner's insurance rates to
see if you can find plans offering the same type of coverage, at reduced rates.

- It should also become common practice to see if you can obtain a cheaper home
phone service for your local and long distance calling. Do the same with your
cell phone.

- When buying groceries, utilize coupons.

- When purchasing high-ticket items, i.e. electronics, wait for prices to go
down. You can also anticipate sale prices to occur during major holidays.
However, don't buy products just because they are on sale!

- Instead of buying expensive brand names, check out inexpensive, lesser known
brands.

- If you are looking to purchase a new car, consider buying used. Familiarize
yourself with money saving advantages of buying a pre-owned car.

- Limit the amount of time you go out for lunch and dinner. You should also look
into buying gift certificates from the restaurants your like to frequent. It is
very common for restaurants to grant discounts on the cost of a meal when gift
certificates are utilized, i.e. 10% discount.

- Instead of paying the high cost associated with going to the movies, rent or
watch TV instead.

- Think about returning to college to so that you can further your education and
advance your career with a higher paying job.

- Developing some sort of hobby that will keep you busy, helping you avoid
spending. Try and find a hobby that will help generate income while doing it.

- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. Not only are they bad for you,
they cost a lot of money.

- A diet should be considered if you are overweight. The benefit is two-fold:
save money on food and improve your health!

- Educate yourself by reading books related to managing money and being fiscally
responsible. You should also consider consulting with a financial advisor.

- Don't fall into the trap of trying to 'out-do' your neighbors, friends or
family.

- Ride your bike to work and save money on gas.

Jacob Joseph is a financial expert for http://www.starloanservices.com. At Star Loan Services you can leanr more about managing money.

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