How to save money now

Many of us are watching the U.S. daily news and hearing the word "recession'". Across the globe, oil and gas prices are increasing, food prices are increasing, so saving money is an issue that affects many people of different countries.

If you want to save money each month, then here are some suggestions to save, without sacrificing too much.

If you eat out at restaurants, fast food places, or grab snacks on the go, it could end up costing you.

In a typical month, you could easily spend the following:

• Take out pizza = $15.00
• Dinner at a restaurant = $35.00
• Take out at McDonalds or Wendy's = $12.00
• Coffee or latter = $8.00

That is $70 right there! For $70, you could buy enough groceries to possibly last a week, especially if you use coupons.

In a previous hub I wrote, I discussed how to find online grocery stores coupons. By using these, combined with Sunday newspapers coupons, you can easily save $5-$15 a week on groceries.

It is hard to save money on gas because you do not see the actual money you are spending as you are driving. You fill up the tank, and drive for a while, then you fill back up when you are almost out. If you find ways to save money on gas, your fill ups might be less frequent.

• Group errands and trips together
• Do you typically run out a few times a week to grab some groceries? To save gas, do your shopping only once a week. Buy BOGO (buy one get one) free items, so you will have enough food to last you a week or two.
• If you need to return a rental movie, and grab a stamp, try to group these trips together.
• Run some errands during your lunch hour, so you are making extra driving trips and wasting gas.

Do you really need to pay an extra $30-$100 a month on cable? There are so many alternatives to watching cable TV:

• Rent movies (for FREE) at your local library
• Play board games, like Scrabble
• Read
• Surf the Internet
• Write hubs on HubPages
• Find a hobby
• Take a walk
• Read up on money saving tips online
• Go through your junk, and set aside items for a garage sale
• Declutter your house
• Spend time with your family
• Get rabbit ears, and watch local TV programming

This might see like a daunting task, but if you can keep a notebook, or Excel spreadsheet, of all of you expenses each month, you will be amazed at what you are actually spending your money on, and what you can cut out the next month.

Here are some categories you can use:

• Utility bills (phone, cable, Internet)
• Food
• Clothes
• Mortgage or Rent
• Misc

If you use you credit card for all purchases, then you expenses are tracked for you!

By using credit cards responsibly, you can reduce your ATM fees, in the event you quickly need to take out cash from an ATM other than your bank.

You can earn rewards, and dispute charges.

You can find some excellent bargains at Goodwill or Salvation Army. Do not be ashamed - you can find some great quality clothes at thrift stores.

Moreover, who will know?

I hope these tips inspired you to look for ways to save money.

It is never too late to help yourself, and help others, with ideas on how to save money. Please share your ideas on saving money below. $$$