With the dollar being stretched to the limit, gas prices on the rise, and no end in sight for our daily struggles, it may seem impossible to save money. While you may not be in a position to put away 20 or 30% of your income as you were in the past, there are a number of ways that you can cut corners to save.

Don't Pay Your Bank

Direct Deposit - Have a specific amount go directly into your savings account. Even if it is only $25. Keeping this separate, will make you think twice about spending it. Savings accounts usually earn more interest than checking accounts.

No banking fees - Many banks offer free banking if you utilize certain services like bill pay, automatic deposits. They may offer free reimbursements for ATM fees and free checks. Take advantage of these. Some banks charge as much as $7.00 per month in service fees. That doesn't seem like a significant amount, but that $84 per year could be earning interest in your savings account.

Rewards credit cards - Many cards offer "cash back" when you use them. Some cards give up to 3% back on gas or groceries.

Prepaid Debit Cards - These are a usefull and great way to control and monitor spending. Prepaid debit cards allow useres to monitor and control and cap spending to stay within a budget or monthly limit.

In the Home

Programmable thermostat - Using a programmable thermostat can save you up to 20% on your heating and cooling bills.

Ceiling fans, floor fans, space heaters - Ceiling fans and floor fans assist by circulating the air (Depending on the season). Some people (depending on the size of the family) turn their heat down in the evening as low as 50 in the colder months, close the bedroom door, and use a space heater, although this is a matter of personal preference.

Fluorescent lights use about one quarter of the electricity of normal bulbs. They last longer as well.

Automobile

Accelerating smooth and driving at a reasonable rate cuts down on gas use. Cruise control keeps you coasting at a consistent rate.

Gas

Shop around for gas. Many stations offer up to 10% discount for using cash.

Major Purchases

Before making major purchases research different stores. Cheaper is not always better and may cost you more in the long run in repairs and energy efficiency.

Grocery Shopping

Generic - Some generic items can save you a substantial amount of money. Buy in bulk if you can. Use coupons and rebates.

Stay at home - If you are a fast food or restaurant person, try limiting these trips out to eat. Bring your lunch to work instead of going out every day. While 5 dollars a day doesn't seem like much, it totals $1,300 for the year - just for lunch.

Eat leftovers - Many people stick leftovers in the fridge and it stays there until it's unrecognizable. Leftovers make a great lunch or even a snack for the kids.

Take care of your things - This may sound silly, but things last longer if you take care of them. Car maintenance, maintaining your home, even polishing your shoes.

Cable and internet - Bundling your cable, internet, and even phone in some cases can save you a bundle - sometimes up to $25 to $30 per month. There are many deals being advertised, but be sure to find out what the cost will be after the deal is over.

Cancel subscriptions - Most major newspapers are available online and you can view them for free.

Avoid debt - Paying your bills on time will eliminate late fees. Credit cards can be the worst with late fees, over-the-limit fees.

The key is to looking for discounts, pay as little interest as possible, and pay on time. A little savings here and there can go a long way.