Five Great Ways to Save Money on Typical Expenses

Want to save some of your hard-earned dollars? The trick to saving money is simple: don't spend it. Everyone is feeling the economic crunch and unemployment is on the rise in the U.S. The question is how to save money without feeling deprived. These tips can help you save money without having to give it all up.

1. Don't stop for coffee on the way to work or school. If it's your habit to stop for a cup of hot java on the way to work or school, you are probably spending at least a dollar or more per day. If you work five days a week in an average month, you are spending a minimum of $20 per month or $240 per year. Make your coffee at home and take it with you. Use the money you've saved to pay down your credit card interest or let it relieve the increased cost of gas.

2. Save money by finding a carpool buddy or split your commute with a bus ride. When you sit in traffic, look around at the other motorists. Chances are, most of them are riding alone. Find someone who works the same shift as you within a block or two of your place of employment and lives within a mile of you. Take turns driving. Carpooling will reduce your gas budget significantly, help you save money, and stop worrying about when the price of gas will decrease. Most employers are willing to post a list of employees interested in carpooling. If yours doesn't have a list, ask your human resources officer if they would be willing to start one. Most universities and colleges also maintain a list of people willing to carpool.

3. If you pay someone to mow your grass every week, reduce it to every two weeks instead to save money. Yes, the grass will get a little higher, but who really cares? If you are paying $20 a week for mowing services, that will save you $40 per month in an average month. If your yard needs mowing six months out of the year, you will have saved $240 per year. Not only that, you'll be doing the environment a favor since your lawn service provider will be using less gas to mow your lawn. Let the grass grow and keep the green in your pocket.

4. Save money when dating. Sure, we all want to impress and be impressed, but dating is really about having fun and getting to know each other. If you typically opt to take your date to a movie, think about what you're spending and what you are missing out on: talking to each other. Tickets at the box office cost generally no less than $6.00 per ticket, so that's $12.00 per movie night. If you date regularly, for example, four dates a month, that's $48 per month, not including the popcorn and sodas. Instead, try taking your date for a stroll in a historic district, visit unique shops and art galleries, or a free concert in a park. This will give you the opportunity to explore each other's personalities, likes and dislikes, and have fun communicating. If you are dating someone who only cares about what you are spending on them, you might think twice about spending your precious time with them.

5. Buy your groceries at a discount store or one where you bag your own groceries to save money. If stores don't have to pay employees to bag your groceries or pay for bags, their prices are often lower than other stores. If you don't know of one, call around and ask. Aldi's offers great prices and bulk items. Use this link to find an Aldi's store in your area. Buying in bulk can save you some money, too, and many stores offer bulk items without having to pay a membership fee. If you feel comfortable investing your money in food, buying in bulk is the way to go, especially if you have kids. Store up on staples that won't spoil quickly, such as rice, pasta, cereal, and baking mixes. Instead of paying for high-priced breakfast or cereal bars, make your own. Adhere to a monthly menu and avoid running to the store for this and that. Learn to make do with what you have. This will save you from impulse buying and save your gas money (unless you walk, of course). Food is costly these days, so plan meals that offer the healthiest nutrition for the money. You will feel more satisfied and spend less on low-quality junk food.