What little steps do you take to save more money?

What little steps do you take to save more money?

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2. I cook at home, I stopped eating out, I home make everything, sweets, pizza you name it. Its fun for the family and they can help. I do not shop for clothes for now, I wear what I have. When grocery shopping I do not buy specialty items or frozen foods they are more expensive. Since I live in a big city, I use public transportation I stopped using my car during the week. The most important thing is to budget budget budget, put everything in writing and follow the plan. For starters you can get on a rice and beans budget because food is where we spend the most. Prepare everything from natural ingredients even juices you will see the difference in your budget.
3. I opened a savings account with a credit union, with no debit card or checks attached to it, then set 15% of my paychecks to direct deposit into it monthly. I never see the money so I don't miss it. If I have an emergency I can get to the money no problem, but the fact that I have to go to the bank and stand in line to make a withdrawal prevents impulse purchases with that money. Another option is to create a bank account and whenever you get a raise or paid overtime or a bonus at work, set up that money to go directly to that account. You're not out any money because it was extra income you weren't counting on, and you have a savings account building steadily and earning interest. Even if you can only afford 5% of your income, at least it's a starting point.
4. I take my lunch to work and pack a snack for the drive home. I love coupons and team them up with the local ads to see how many *free* things or really cheap things I can get each week. I get my coupons from my parents' newspaper whenever I go to their house (about once a month - they save them from their paper). I eat leftovers. I reuse things that I used to just throw away. I write a budget and stick to it. I only spend cash. I cut up my credit cards (studies show you spend a lot more with plastic, even if it is a debit card. with cash, you can only spend what you have). I listen to (and love) Dave Ramsey. He's a pretty smart guy. edit I agree with wisegirl, The Total Money Makeover is a great book! I read that a few years ago. I am almost done with his Financial Peace University class. Dave is also doing a town hall meeting on Thursday. It is FREE and offered at many area churches. http://www.townhallforhope.com/
5. There are lots of way to save or raise money. Try selling some unwanted items on e-bay or round a carboot sale. If you work take a packed lunch instead of buying expensive shop bought sandwiches. Try walking to the shops instead of driving. Buy own brand goods (sometimes there even nicer than named brands). Turn all your electrical things off at night (you'll be suprised just how much electric you save) & turn your central heating thermostat down a couple of degrees. It's the little things that mount up to save the most money and lets face it we all need to save money in this present financial crisis. Hope this helps.
6. I also swap with friends: food, clothing, housewares, anything. Trading with people you know is a good way to get new things without spending anything, meanwhile being able to helping out others too. Buy in bulk - combined with investing in a food saver system of some sort. Buy food that can be used in multiple recipes or meals. Stock up - buy non perishable food and housewares that you will need, that won't go bad, i.e. laundry detergent.