The current financial climate means people are constantly on the lookout for ways that they can save money.

How to best control your personal income is often a topic of discussion. Through years of controlling my own finances, I have come across ‘rules’ or ‘guidelines’ that work wonders and others that simply don’t.

The current financial climate means people are constantly on the lookout for ways that they can save money. I’ve put together my top financial tips that I hope will prove useful for you all.

Budget! - Never spend more than you earn

Probably the simplest tip I can give you but budgeting is something that we all should do. Take a pen and write down your expenses for the month and work out how much you can afford to spend. By doing this, when you come to the end of the month you won’t have to worry about struggling to make payments.

Once you have noted down all your expenses, including your phone bill and any direct debits, think about the amount of money you would like to put aside for the month, it doesn’t have to be a lot, a little can go a long way. Then after deducting your expenses and how much you would like to put aside from your monthly income, you should try and not go over that amount. Budgeting works wonders because it gives you something to aim towards and helps keep you motivated.

Review Your Expenses – You could be paying too much

There are certain things, whether it is gas or electricity that we have to buy to survive. These necessities are the things that people often pay too much for. The easy way to avoid paying too much on the things we have to buy is to use price comparison websites. These websites do all the hard work for you as they compare all the market leaders for the likes of, insurance, money, utilities and even phone bills. These websites are a quick fire way to start you saving a lot of money.

Credit Cards – Reward Yourself

Many people often give credit cards a bad name. However, if used properly they can be a quick fire way to earning some decent rewards. There are so many credit cards on the market that they all offer something for everyone. If you’re a shopaholic then look for credit cards that will reward you with money off your next purchase, or if you’re a frequent jetsetter, take a look at airline credit cards, where you can build air miles depending on how much you spend on your card.

If you have the money to make a purchase and you look after your finances well, then you could always fund a big purchase on a reward card, so that you can reap the benefits, then just pay off the card straight away so you don’t pay any interest.

A few important things to remember if you use a credit card are, keep an eye on your finances, don’t overspend and always try and pay more than the minimum payment every month; doing these three things when using your card will help you save money.

Save – Open a savings account

People don’t get the best use out of savings accounts, but they are a sure way to save money. A good way to ensure you save a small amount each month is to set up a standing order. Set a small amount every month to go from your normal account into your designated saving account. By doing this every month your money in your savings account will build and build, and the more the money builds the more interest you will gain.

The Lifetime Savings Account for those of you situated in the US offers fantastic benefits. Whatever you put in your account is not tax-deductible, but any returns you earn from your LSA are tax-free.

If you like me are based in the UK, then using a cash ISA is the best way to save some cash. All interest is tax free and you can save up to £5,100 in the account every year.

I hope my top financial tips prove useful for you and remember, when looking at your finances; small changes can have a big impact.

About the Author:

This article was written by Andreas Nicolaides.

Andreas works as a financial writer for UK based MoneySupermarket.com.

Popularity: 47% [?]

Nobody want to be broke, right? We all want to make sure that we have enough money not only in the present, but also for the future.

For some people who are fortunate enough, this is never a major concern. But for the rest of us we have to struggle with the need to pay bills today and the desire to have a nest egg set aside for the future. Thankfully there are a few things that you can do to save for your future, no matter how tight your budget is.

Follow your budget

There’s a reason you set a budget for your money. It ensures that you don’t overspend and end up not having enough money to pay your bills. Sticking to your budget means that you won’t have to dip into your extra money.

Reevaluate your budget

Do you really need as much spending money as you’ve allotted yourself each month? And is each and every one of those 102 TV channels necessary? Review and tighten your budget and you’ll be surprised by how much money you’ll be able to put away monthly.

The 5-10% rule

As a rule of thumb you should be setting aside 5-10% of your weekly income for your retirement fund. If you are living on an extremely tight budget, try putting 5% into a savings account or RRSP. The more you can put away, the better. And you would be surprised by how little you miss the extra money once you don’t have access to it.

Little things add up

A lot of the time it’s not the large purchases that stop us from saving money, it’s the smaller ones. A dollar here, five dollars there can add up and you would be shocked at the amount of money yearly that slips away. Do you really need a coffee and donut from the local coffee shop every morning? Cutting out the little expenses like this can add up, and quickly.

Be careful with credit

While some forms of credit are inevitable (mortgage, car loan) others should be considered a luxury. And luxuries aren’t necessarily something you need. While it’s a good idea to have a credit card for emergencies, it’s easy to get sucked into the buy now pay later lifestyle. Too many people live off of credit and this is NEVER a good idea. You will end up with all of your money going towards minimum payments rather into your savings account. If you spend more than you can realistically pay you will end up in a vicious cycle of monthly payments that never see your debt go down.

About the author:

Vern Marker is an expert on a variety of topics including budgeting, marketing, and business. Want to ask an expert about something specific? Check out YoExpert.com

Popularity: 16% [?]

Nearly everyone looks for ways to keep their phone bill down. Since almost everyone has a cell phone, it is quite likely that most people are spending more then they should to maintain that phone.

If you were to look at your bill it is likely that you could look at it right now and immediately find charges for services that you do not even use. The consulting industry uses a term, scope creep, that means a project slowly grows out of control. For most consumers this is what happens with their bill. Over time we add services in the form of extra lines, minutes, or data and our bill creeps up to a higher and higher amount until it is eventually out of control. If you want to get your bill back under control you should consider some or all of the following tips.

1. Watch your minutes

One of the biggest expenses for any cell phone owner is going over your minutes. If you consistently go over your minutes it is probably worth investing in a plan that gives your more from the beginning. There are also some free tools available that will let you know what your usage is and warn you if you are close to reaching your limit.

2. Consider a prepaid phone

If you do not use your phone a lot and do not want to shell out the money every month to maintain it you might consider a prepaid cell service. These services allow you to pay for only what you use and can be significantly cheaper then a traditional phone with equal service from a legitimate carrier.

3. Get rid of the phone insurance

Unless you have a very expensive phone and are particularly hard on them insurance is usually not worth the investment. It can cost about $200 which is not a great investment on a phone that is typically less then $500.

4. Look for discounts

Most carriers have ways to keep your phone bill down through employee discount programs. In some cases you might be entitled to a discount through the company you work for, or in cases of small businesses through their suppliers. You may wind up saving upwards of 20% on your bill.Â

5. Avoid buying ringtones

Yes, they are cute and can make the ring of your phone a bit less jarring, but they are quite simply a cost that can be eliminated.

6. Double check your bill

There are online services that will evaluate your bill for a small fee. They can then tell you how to save money. Typically the reports can show consumers how to save hundreds of dollars each year based on their actual usage.

7. Swap SIM cards

If you break a phone prior to the expiration of your contract you might have to pay a steep price for a new one. But, if you have other phones under the same account you can instead replace an older one, getting a lower price on the new phone, and simply swap out the SIM card from the broken phone.

9. Negotiate

When your contract expires you can negotiate to get a better deal. Since plans are typically cheaper as time goes on it is likely you can do better then your previous contract. Just make sure you get the same or better services.

10. Reconsider unlimited plans

Unless you have a texting addicted teen under your account odds are you do not really need an unlimited plan. While most of us like having them because they relieve us from worry about overages we probably don’t need them. Look at your actual usage to determine what your actual needs.

11. Combine you and your spouses plans

If you are living together and are not sharing a cell phone plan you are probably wasting money. Combine into one account and you will easily save lots of cash each month.

12. Do not cancel a contract

If you want to switch carriers mid contract it will cost you a lot of money. Instead look to one of the online services that link up people like you with people who are looking for a cell contract. That way you help someone else and get out of costly fees.Â

Finding ways to keep your phone bill down is a great way to cut household expenses. You can then use that extra money for more fun things like going on holiday or to pay off other bills.

About the author

This article was written by William Eve, a regular personal finance writer for Home Loan Finder, a 100% free mortgage comparison and application service. Visit the Home Loan Finder website for more great ways to save money and the most competitive investment loans and first home buyer loans on the market.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Often times we’re so busy in our daily lives that we forget that we can’t live like a rockstar, and need to budget and spend accordingly. Those little things you say like, “ohhhh it’s okay, I’ll make up for it somewhere else” or “I’m too lazy to send in that rebate” are actually hurting you in the long run. Here’s a few things you may want to consider when planning your budget and allotting spending money to yourself or your family.

1. Use online services like Mint

I’m saying this one in particular because I’m using it, and I absolutely love it. They just released a mobile phone app too, so you can track your budget and money on the road. You can separate your expenses, and Mint will automatically know what you are spending where. It will then alert you when you go over, as well as alert you when bills and credit card bills are due.

This will save you from 

• going over your budget and being more aware of your spending
• you’ll save because you won’t be wasting money on ridiculous late fees or overage fees

2. Being proactive with your car insurance companies

Actively seek our better insurance companies on both ends. There’s a TON of options out there and you want to make sure you aren’t losing out when you could be saving. For instance, some car insurance companies give you money back when you DON’T have an accident. Some health insurance companies give you a savings program with what you’re paying in. Do the research; you can actually end up saving a ton of money on these necessities.

3. Buying off Ebay/Etsy

Some people are afraid to use online auction websites for privacy reasons. That’s understandable, but when you can get a brand new TV for hundreds of dollars cheaper- I would say it’s time to take the dive and start using them. There are plenty of ways to track your auctions in Ebay, especially, to make sure you are only spending what you want to spend.

4. Get a credit card

This might sound like really dumb advice, especially if you’re trying to save money, but it’s probably the smartest thing you can do. When you don’t have revolving open credit accounts, it can actually hurt your credit. Put gas and groceries on your card (when you have the money) and pay it off at the end of the month, every month. This will keep revolving credit open as well as earn you rewards on certain cards. These rewards can be in the form of cash, gift certificates, travel etc.

5. Shop in bulk

Places like Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale may cost more in the beginning, but they actually save you more in the long run. As you probably know, when you buy in bulk, prices go down. While you may not “need” a ton of beef, you’ll pay less for it up front and use it through-out the month.

6. Send in your rebates

 Many people will be too lazy to send in a rebate right away and then they miss the date. Rebates are sketchy enough to begin with (although they’ve gotten better with the issuance of debit cards for your rebate rather than waiting for a rebate check) but they’re technically money you’ve spent; you may as well get it back.

These are just a few small tips to make sure you are living frugally and saving money. Pretty much common sense, but not things that people think of everyday.

What are some budgeting/spending tips that you have?

Popularity: 9% [?]

Saving money is popular and very sexy. Why would you want to splurge your minimal income on crap that ends up in a garage sale anyway?

Emergency funds are meant to be kept for tough times. In today’s socio-economic times it is more important than ever to keep some money on the side for a rainy day. Most financial advisers recommend you save about 6 months worth of living capital which will cover your expenses should you lose your job, or run into financial hardship.

Most people worry about emergency money when they need it. If you do this, then it is too late because you are already facing a mountain of potential debt.

Job loss, unexpected bill, health problems

All of the above can move you over the financial edge, making your life an absolute nightmare. If you wait in the hopes of never needing an emergency fund you are kidding yourself. It would be like traveling without getting insurance cover, or driving your car without insurance (which is criminal to say the least).

I don’t earn enough, how can I save?

This is one of the excuses (albeit relevant) of many people. Please do not make the mistake of blaming your lack of income for not saving up for an emergency fund. People worse off than you have managed to pay off debt and more in a relatively short time frame.

If there is a will, there is a way and you could start with putting aside $5/week if that’s all you can afford.

A matter of interest

To invest your emergency fund for the most return open up a no-cost savings account that will give you good interest rates. While this might not matter much in the beginning, it will soon compound once you save a few hundred dollars.

What about excess pay?

If you receive an unexpected surplus of money, why not pay it straight into your emergency fund. That way it will earn interest and you can decide whether you really need that piece of clothing you put your eyes on.

Frugal is all the rage

Saving money is popular and very sexy. Why would you want to splurge your minimal income on crap that ends up in a garage sale anyway? If you are brutally honest with yourself you will notice that a lot of the stuff you own is not really needed.

Humans buy stuff out of frustration and a need for love. We wrongfully look for that special kick when buying luxury items (stuff we can live without but believe we can’t).

A good way to slowly change your mindset is by alternating your weeks between “normal” behavior and frugal living.

Emergencies do happen

No one is save from emergencies. You could receive a large unexpected bill in the mail tomorrow, throwing your financial situation into the gutter within a tiny second. While nobody wants to experience financial meltdown, you increase your chances of dealing with it by planning your emergency fund and then implementing that plan.

Saving is fun

If one day you find yourself with more money than you really need in your emergency savings fund you can splurge and buy something REALLY nice as a reward for sticking it out.

About the author

This article was written by Timothy who is a regular writer and part of the team at Credit Card Finder, a 100% free Australian credit card comparison and application service. Visit the Credit Card Finder website for more information on starting an emergency fund, or subscribe to their RSS feed for more practical articles.

Popularity: 31% [?]

There are many ways to cut corners in this recession, but many of us tend to overlook a very important cost that can be cut in a most advantageous way: our cars.

There are many ways to cut corners in this recession, but many of us tend to overlook a very important cost that can be cut in a most advantageous way: our cars. Instead of avoiding maintenance for our cars as a way to skimp on costs, certain maintenance types should be even more important to avoid serious future issues. Here are some tips on what car maintenance you can perform yourself, and what is important not to skip over in order to keep your car in tip-top condition for many years to come. Auto mechanics charge high hourly rates because they know that many tasks do not take much more than twenty minutes. With a little research, you’ll be surprised how much money you can actually save!

Oil Changes:

Though it may no longer be necessary to change your oil as often as it once was, it is still a very important part of your car’s maintenance. Most oil changes cost from $20 to $100, depending on the type and amount of oil you use. There are a few tricks to this. The first is to buy your own oil and bring it to the shop, rather than paying extra for the same stuff. The other option is to change your oil yourself. It may seem like a huge task, but there are videos all over the web to help you learn more about changing your oil by yourself. It is actually quite easy, and you can save a bundle each year.

Tires:

Tires are going to wear out, and probably at one of the worst possible times. However, if you continually check your tire pressure, fill them as necessary, and keep a spare with you at all times, you are much less likely to find yourself up a creek without a paddle. Keep a tire gauge in your glove compartment for easy access, and check the air on a regular basis.

Brakes:

Let’s face it, brakes are very important, and there is not a whole lot we can do to keep them from wearing out. However, you can learn how to change your own brake pads, and quite easily. This can save you up to a hundred dollars a year on San Diego brake repair, and it only takes auto mechanics about 15 minutes to complete this expensive task. You should also dry out your brakes whenever they are exposed to heavy rain or excessive water. Driving through puddles can trap water in your brakes and cause issues, so pound on your brake pedals the following day to ensure that all the water is out. (At a slow speed, in a vacant area, stomp on your brakes three times to shake out excess water.)

Fluids:

Another maintenance trick you can do without contacting the professionals is a quick fluid check. Check the oil regularly; this can help you avoid changing it when it is still in good condition. You should also check your transmission fluid every year or so. It does not need to be changed as often as oil, but it should still be checked. Your brake fluid is also important to check. Cars should not consume brake fluid, so every time you check it, you should still have an ample amount of fluid left. Low brake fluid could mean a wear and tear or a dangerous leak in the brakes. Power steering should also have fluid that you should check regularly, as well as coolant and windshield washer fluid. If you live in a hot area of the country, it is even more important to check your coolant as often as you check your oil. Make sure to go to a reputable mechanic, like Robert’s Auto in San Diego, if ever you are in doubt about your fluid levels, as it might be a sign of a costly leak, that when overlooked, can cost you a lot more in repairs later.

Popularity: 20% [?]

Monthly bills have a way of piling up quickly. Spending a little here and a little there can end up being a little too much altogether. While everyone would like to live like millionaires, the harsh reality is that few people can. Giving up the little luxuries in life is not something that anyone wants to do. Luckily, there are a few tips for cutting back the monthly expenses without giving up the luxuries that so many hold dear.

Cable Bill

The first tip to consider is to look at the cable bill. Too many people settle for high channel package pricing so they can get their favorite channels. What few realize, though, is that there are DISH network packages that provide all the channels that cable customers love-and these options come with much more reasonable prices. Many people are amazed at the savings they can accumulate every month by simply switching television channel providers. Many have saved as much as $30/month by simply switching to DISH network packages. By doing so, the amount going out is less while the services are the same-or even better.

Cell Phone plans

The same is true for cell phone plans. Cell phones are quickly becoming the vital accessory that everyone is carrying. Even children are joining in on the cell phone craze. Examine the bill and see how many minutes are really used each month. Many cell phone users don’t get close to their allotted amount of minutes. When this is the case, downgrading cellular plans will undoubtedly end up saving money while still providing the same services that have been used in the past. Those who switch to a lower plan, especially on multiple-line plans, can save as much as $40/month.

Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning is one monthly expense that would seem unlikely to cut down on. The savvy savers know all too well, though, that there are discounts to be found on any type of service. There is a lot of competition for dry cleaners today, which is why they are continually offering discounts and promotions. These discounts and promotions are simple to find by doing a quick Google search. Those that simply look for a dry cleaner in their area advertising promotions will rarely be disappointed. Savings every month could add up to as much as $30 this way. Looking at the options available always provides the opportunity for savings without cutting back on the quality or amount of services rendered.

About The Author

Eric Rea is a thrifty college student that loves all kinds of sports and watching them on his DISH Network channels.

Popularity: 19% [?]

If you physically go to watch your team play at their ground or away, you will quickly notice how all the pounds add up over the year

Supporting a football team, whether in the Premier League or League Two can be an expensive hobby. Think about everything associated with football: the games, the memorabilia, how you watch it, and what you eat or drink while doing so. In fact, even your contents insurance cover can be related to your football support if you have an expensive high-definition (HD) television and surround sound for the ultimate game experience. How much money do you think you spend supporting your football team?

Going to the games

If you physically go to watch your team play at their ground or away, you will quickly notice how all the pounds add up over the year. Firstly you have your seat price – which could be above the original selling fee if the game has been sold out – and any delivery charges associated with this. You might even be a season ticket holder, which demands a large sum of cash either at once or in instalments throughout the season. Don’t forget to add travel costs on top of the seat prices, unless you have the privilege of living just down the road!

Buying the memorabilia

For many fans, it isn’t simply just going to the game though, as memorabilia plays a large role too. Think team shirts, scarves, pint glasses, and bed sheets. With football shirts, it is nice to update them as the team does, but it is easy to get suckered into paying extra money for your favourite player’s name (or even your own) printed on the back of it. If you go to the matches, you may also fork out a few pounds for a programme and magazine pack, some of which are available at newsagents too.

How you watch it

We’ve discussed the cost of going to the games in person, but what about watching it on the television? Many Premier League games are shown only on specialist subscription channels such as Sky Sports, and these are now available in HD too. These packages are in addition to the regular monthly charges for your programmes, so can get quite costly. You also need to factor in how much your television costs, and any set-top boxes, speakers and wires that raise the price.

Eating and drinking

Whether you go to the game, watch it at the pub, or settle down to view it at home, many of us like to eat and drink while doing so. At the grounds there are fizzy drinks and meat and potato pies calling to us, while the pub is more favoured for its drinks and crisps combination. At home the entire world of food is open to us, whether it’s a Chinese, pizza, or curry takeaway or delivery which can again prove expensive.

So while supporting our football teams can be joyous, albeit sometimes frustrating, it can be an expensive practice. The saying “watch the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves” works just as well here as anywhere else, and some of us could certainly learn from this example.

About the author

Lucille Groutadge writes a number of articles regarding finance, including contents insurance.

Popularity: 10% [?]

First, I want to be clear that I’d rather find ways to earn more and make my money work than focus exclusively on reducing costs. However, I’m also a realist and in this economy many are in a position (some for the first time) of having to cut costs AND find a way to earn more.

I’ve been on a diet and I find there are parallels between cutting calories and cutting costs. Both surprise me in how small amounts add up to big differences over time! It’s much easier to prevent costs than to try to figure out a way to make up for them. All of this has to do with choices we make every single day, most seemingly insignificant.

I tried to address each tip from different perspectives. Comparing this to a diet again, if I told you to cut out all soda but you don’t drink it anyway, that advise wouldn’t be helpful. Also, I might have more luck getting you to cut it way down rather than getting rid of it altogether.

Don’t go to the Movies or Find Alternatives

Unless it’s a dollar theater, it’s best not to see new movies on the big screen. It’s gotten so expensive just to get in. Then you sit through ads for 20 mins. If you order popcorn and a drink for each person then you’re quickly paying a lot for the experience. However, some people will never cut this out, so I’ve given 3 options depending on your values.

1. You are an occasional movie goer: get movies on Netflix or Redbox movies.

2. You won’t give up going to see some movies in the theater.

Whether it’s your standard date night activity or you’re so into the experience that you’re willing to pay for it, some people aren’t going to cut here. So eat before the movie so you’re full. Go get dessert after rather than buying popcorn or treats there.

3. If you watch a lot of movies, get DISH Network or other subscription service so you can watch them more often without paying for each or the hassle of renting or sending movies one at a time. DISH claims to be the low price leader, with pricing lower than cable or DirecTV.

Facts: ABC News reported in July 2008 that even a small popcorn costs around $5.50. That’s more per ounce than filet mignon. University of California-Irvine professor Richard McKenzie says popcorn costs less than ten cents an ounce to produce. The markup for popcorn then is somewhere between 900%-1,300%!

Avoid Brand Name Prescription or Over the Counter Medication

Yahoo! Finance points out that the markup is around 60% for name brand medicine. Are name brand products superior? No (even though perception are that they are better, that’s just good advertising). Here’s some comfort for you: the law requires all generic drugs to be just as effective (and even use the exact same active ingredients) as the branded drugs they are modeled after.

1. You only have brand names to choose from – order in bulk (some insurance plans have this option). Ask the doctor for samples. Wait for the generic version or for the product (if it’s over the counter) to go on sale or look for coupons on the brand’s web site.

2. Buy generic drugs or store brand.

3. Change your lifestyle so you aren’t dependent on drugs (if this is realistic based on why you are taking the medication). The cost of a gym membership or a dietician could be cheap if you get healthier and no longer need the medication.

Bottle your own Water

LockerGnome.com reports that the claims that bottled water is superior to its free alternative, tap water, are essentially lies. Dasani, and Aquafina, for example are just bottled tap water. You can pay $1.25 for 1 bottle or pack your own in a reusable water bottle for under a cent for the same amount. Many public drinking fountains have been removed which correlates to higher sales of bottled water.

When I travel I always have an empty water bottle. Once I check in and pass security I fill it up at a drinking fountain. That way I avoid paying triple or more for bottled water and don’t have to wait for the stewardess to bring me water. Expect that at just about every event or trip you go on will necessitate water and plan ahead by bringing it with you.

1. If you must buy bottled water, get the store brand on sale. If you want the brand name, get it once then refill the bottle with tap water.

2. Don’t buy bottled water at all – plan ahead and always have water with you.

3. Order tap water instead of bottled water, soft drinks or alcohol when you eat out (make up a strong case for it in your head – you’re on a diet or the like).

Some cities have gone so far as to require restaurants to offer tap water because of the negative environmental impact of throw-away bottled water.

In conclusion

Overall, keep in mind that you can adjust to new habits and that they can make a big difference over time. Don’t think in restrictions, think of alternatives. You can still have the same quality of life for less if you’re willing to give up some ego or make some small changes.

Hat tip to Bill Shrink

About the Author

Janet Thaeler is an accomplished PR expert, blogger, and published author. She currently resides at OrangeSoda.com where she provides killer press releases and social media.

Popularity: 27% [?]

Coffee is big business… really big business. In fact, it’s a $10 billion dollar a year industry that you’re fueling. Everytime you go to the cafe or take a coffee break at work, you’re contributing to the global coffee industry. If you’re a big coffee drinker, you definitely feel how it affects your wallet. Consider the busy soccer mom that always grabs a large cup of specialty coffee at her favorite cafe every morning while driving her kids to school. A simple $4 cup of coffee per day over the course of a year adds up to over $1200, now that’s nothing to sneeze at.

1. Buy a Mug

With all of the drive coffee-thru’s, it’s tempting to grab your favorite coffee drink especially when you’re on the run. Buying a coffee thermos or mug is a great way to avoid that temptation. Just make sure you fill it up when you leave the house.

2. Rethink Pricey Coffee

Lots of blind taste tests prove the the high-end, fancy, expensive coffee often times is comparable (if not worse) than the regular stuff. For example, you can save about $0.40 per cup by buying Dunkin Donuts instead of Starbucks. But if you choose to buy DD beans and grind them at home, you can save over $1200 per year on coffee alone! Now that’s a lot of money. You could plan a family vacation with that much money.

3. Be Your Own Barista

Just buy your own coffee and flavor it yourself at the condiment stand. You can get an espresso and make your own latte by adding milk and sugar. Or you can get an iced latte and ask for extra syrup. If you like flavored coffee, you can add spices like cloves, cinnamon sticks, orange peels, vanilla, etc to your whole coffee beans. Just grind them together and you have your own flavored coffee. Of course, you’ll have to do a bit of trial and error to get the tastes exactly right, but it’ll save you money in the long run. Besides, you might even come up with your own concoction.

4. Buy Second Hand Gift Cards

Gift cards won’t alone won’t save you money. But if you’re feeling creative, you can look for used or unwanted gift cards on the popular online auction sites like Ebay and Craigslist. Your employer may even offer discounts to popular restaurants and coffee shops as an employee benefit so check there too.

5. Natural Energy Fix

If you just guzzle coffee for the caffeine, consider substituting it with exercise and fresh fruit. Exercise is well known for increasing energy, but scientists also say that eating an apple increases alertness as much as a cup of coffee. Not only will your body thank you, your wallet will too.

So here are 6 easy tips to save lots of money on coffee. Feel free to sound off with more creative money saving tips in the comments.

About the Author

The Coffee Maker Store is a daily blog and e-commerce store about coffee, coffee makers, and coffee culture. Check it out for the latest coffee tips, tricks and news.

Other posts on Budgeting & Financial Goal:

• 10 powerful steps for a financially sound retirement
• 5 steps to set financial goals that you can achieve
• Simple tips to trim down you monthly expenses

Other posts that you may be interested in:

• Credit card debt - why you shouldn’t pay the minimum amount
• Powerful methods to get you out of your credit card debt
• The secret to having money

Collection of Articles On Personal Finance (Carnivals):

• Carnival of everything about personal finance - 9th Edition
• Carnival of everything about personal finance - 8th Edition
• Carnival of everything about personal finance - 7th Edition
• Carnival of everything about personal finance - 6th Edition
• Carnival of everything about personal finance - 5th Edition

…

…

Popularity: 6% [?]