Pay yourself first. If it seems like all the money you make falls straight through your fingers and gets sucked up by bills and other expenses, think hard about a reasonable amount you could start to view as yet another inflexible monthly bill. Could you handle one more $50 bill? How about a $200 bill? Even if you can only handle one more $15 or $20 bill, that’s better than nothing. Start squirreling that money away for yourself. You won’t notice the difference, and you can enjoy your discretionary income without guilt.

Decide where to put that “bill”. If you are confused by investment options, contact us! We can help you figure out how to make the most of your savings.

Okay, one more idea. Shed your credit card debt. Of course, the best way to avoid creating problems for yourself is to use your credit cards cautiously and sparingly, always being sure to pay the entire balance off in full and on time each month. However, if you’re already in a bind, look for lower interest cards or line of credit options that will allow you to pay off the balance more affordably.

Make your own coffee, or your own lunch, and you can immediately trim your daily expenses. The same goes for bottled water. It’s bad for the environment, and your wallet!

Meet a friend for coffee or brunch instead of dinner, and cut the cost of your meal by at least half.

Make a big meal on the weekend and freeze or refrigerate the leftovers so you can just heat them up quickly for lunch or dinner during the week. You’ll cut down on the urge to head through the drive-through or call for pizza because you’re just too rushed or tired to cook.

If you and your partner or husband want to check out that expensive new restaurant, go ahead, but save a little money by taking a seat at the bar and split a dish or a couple of appetizers. That way you’ll still get to experience being there, and you can sample the food so you know whether it’s worth paying more for a full meal.

If it’s a cultural experience you’re after, check to see if either of your employers has a relationship with any of the local museums, so you can get a discount. Or check out some of the free events in your area. Cities often sponsor free outdoor movies or concerts in the summer, and theatres sometimes have pay what you can nights. Bookstores host free readings by famous authors. Many art galleries are also free to the public (assuming you don’t buy the art).