Saving money is about one thing, discipline. You have to put the credit cards, the checks, and the debit card down and not find self gratification in buying things.

I would start off with not buying designer coffees, juices, or waters. When I hear someone complaining about a gallon of gas, yet they have a latte from Starbucks, I want to strangle them for their hypocrisy and intellectual dishonesty.

Budget your trips to the grocery store and take advantage of sales whenever you can. You will save more money in the long run.

Stop going out to eat as much. This goes for all the meals of the day. One of the biggest myths I have heard is it is cheaper to go out to eat than go to the grocery store and prep your own food. Anyone who does the math knows this is a bunch of crap.

Pay off your mortgage with a little more each month. Not only will you get ahead with your payments, you will also save a lot of money in interest. In relation to this, buy a sensible house. Don't buy the most extravagent house you can find because you can just afford it.

Drive a little slower, you will be surprised how much gas you save by keeping your foot off the accelerator as much as possible. In relation to this, move closer to your work so you do not have to drive as far, thus saving on gasoline.

Turn off lights and all unused electric appliances. You will be surprised how much you can shave off the electric bill. Use the a.c. as minimally as possible.

Call your car insurance company and find out if you qualify for any possible discounts. If they cannot give you a good deal, change to a different company.

Call your internet service provider and reduce your service to a lower bandwidth, especially if you are not using it all that mutch. I have seen people who pay for eighty dollars worth of internet when they only use it for e-mail, seeing the news, and playing solitaire. You only need twenty to thirty dollar internet service for the aforementioned purposes.

Reevaluate your cell phone plan. Chances are you are being ripped off on something. Even if you only save ten bucks a month, it is worth it. That money can go to groceries or something you need.

I could go on and on with several more examples. However, this is a good enough template to keeping more of your money.

Remember a penny saved is a penny earn and they add up.

Alan W.