Easy Ways to Save Money

It may be a little early to start thinking about Christmas, but it's never too early to start saving money. If you're like me, come December, you're strapped for cash and wishing you had just a little more to spend on family for the holidays. Fortunately, it's still early enough this year to start saving. Here are a few easy ideas for how to save and even how to make a little extra spending cash.

Set aside a little each month.
If you have a full-time or even a part-time job, set aside $20 or so from each paycheck and keep it in a safe place. Over a year you will have set aside a whipping total of $240! That could buy something very nice for that special someone.

Collect cans.
Some states allow you to collect soda cans and bottles and deposit them for money. If this is the case in your state, you can usually redeem the money from your local grocery store. Bottles and cans lying around the garage, in the ditch, or even in your neighbors trash will do (although it may be a good idea to ask before doing the latter.) You'd be surprised how much you could accumulate over just one summer.

Start an online shop.
If you're the creative type, there is always the option of opening your own online shop. Whether it's creating button designs or t-shirts, there are plenty of web sites that make it easy to sell your merchandise. Prickie.com is always looking for button designers, and they'll pay you commission for each button you sell. Cafepress.com is a great place to start an online shop as well. You can design anything from t-shirts to mugs and be paid for every sell you make.

Write for Associated Content.
Obviously you're aware of Associated content and the compensation writers are awarded for writing well-written, informative articles. At the beginning of each week, make a list of potential article ideas and try and complete them all. Also, watch for contests. These are usually a great challenge for writers and you may have the chance to make more money.

Help out a neighbor.
Whether it's walking dogs or mowing lawns, your neighbors may be willing to pay you for your help. It probably isn't a good idea to ask them forthright for money, but more than likely they'll take it upon themselves to reward you. And even if not, you'll have gotten the exercise and a good feeling for helping someone out.

Have a garage sale.
Clean out your attic, basement, or closet and set aside things you no longer use or wear. Over the summer, set up a garage or yard sale. It may be hard seeing some things go, but the payoff will be worth the time and energy you've spent putting it all together. Depending on how much stuff you have to sell, you could gain a considerable amount for your holiday fund.

Cut back on spending.
Find out what you needlessly spend money on each month. Maybe you eat out every week or go clothes shopping ever weekend. Try cutting back on the amount you spend or cut back all together. Even skipping one lunch or shopping spree a month could end up saving you a load of money.

Save your change.
After every purchase you make, pocket the change you receive. You could even save it in a glass jar so you can see it accumulate over the year. After a 12 month period, you'd be surprised to see how much those useless pennies add up to.

These are just a few ideas on how to save a few extra bucks. You can do one or all, depending on how much you'd like to save. And it doesn't just have to be for the holidays. Maybe you're looking to buy a new car or put a down payment on a house. Maybe you have credit card debt. Whatever the case may be, weave some of these suggestions into your day-to-day and you will be amazed how much you have by the end of the year.