5 Easy Ways to Save Money

Are you looking for simple ways to save money? I too have been looking for ways to save a bit of cash and found some some really easy things that I can do which have been successful in increasing my savings.

I'd be have to share five easy ideas that are easy to implement and will be sure rake in savings for you as they have for me. These involve simple steps like making lists, never paying retail, staying away from your savings, packing your lunch, and trying out your own projects. So make it a habit to live by them!

Speaking of habits, research shows that it takes 66 days to form a habit so write these down in a notepad so you don't forget them and after just about two months, not only will you form a habit that will save you lots of money, you'll also have some additional moola.

Let's start saving!

76% of purchase decisions are made in supermarkets. Don't be part of the stat which leads to overspending. Stick to your shopping list.

Planning your next shopping trip is beneficial in numerous ways.

A shopping list will save you money by preventing impulse buying and it will also save you time. Research has found that the more time you spend in a store, the more you're likely to spend.

To make a shopping list, know what you already have in the house and decide on what you'll need so that you buy only exactly those items that you will need.

While you're at the supermarket ticking off those items from your shopping list, consider buying the store brand of the items you need, rather than the name brand that's more pricey but is pretty similar.

No matter what you're in the store for, chances are, it will be on sale shortly. Love that cute top? Wait, don't buy it (at its retail cost). Wait for it to go on sale and maybe you'll even decide that you don't really need that skirt because you already have one similar to it or it won't really go with anything in your wardrobe.

The same goes for anything else you're looking to buy. Christmas gifts? You can get your shopping done and avoid all that stress months ahead of time but buying the perfect gift for the loved ones in your life when you see it on sale.

Speaking of shopping, don't forget to claim those loyalty-card rewards!

Keep your savings account out of sight and out of mind so that you're not tempted to take any cash from it when you're taking money out of your checking account at the ATM. Only look at your savings account balance online, as it grows.

Speaking of savings accounts, name each one with your main saving goal. For example, Emergency Fund, Next Summer's Vacation, Kitchen Remodeling. Don't just keep one savings account for every saving needs because this way you're less likely to save for any specific needs. Giving a meaningful name to each savings account makes your goals seem more tangible. And research has found that people who label their accounts have 31% more stashed away then those who don't.

Set everything to automatic transfers so your saving pile up without you having to lift a finger. According to the Harris Interactive survey, only 40% of savers do this.

You'd be surprised how much of your budget goes to eating out. Studies show that by opting out of eating out at a restaurant for lunch and dinner can save you about 75% of costs!

If you're not ready give up lunch with your coworkers, which I admit beats sitting behind your desk and having a working lunch, then try to just do it a couple of days per week. Even if you start off by bringing your lunch to work twice per week and save $8 on each lunch, that's savings of $832 per year! And something else to think about - packing your lunch has the added benefit of being a healthier option with more appropriate portions.

Cook dinner at home can save you a lot of money. And not only that, you'll probably have leftovers which you can pack and bring for lunch the following day. This brings the cost of your lunch down drastically.

There's something about making things by our own hands that's really special. The customization, how proud you feel after completing a project, for knowing all the ingredients that go into each product and the cost savings.

Rather than calling a repairman, try doing simple home repairs like changing out a doorknob or fixing a leaky toilet yourself. Instead of buying things like shampoo at the store, try making shampoo at home from the ingredients in your pantry. You just might start kicking yourself wondering why you haven't been doing these things on your own all along and you'll be glad about all those savings!