How to Save a Wad of Cash Each Month

Some people are born with silver spoons in their mouths, some win lotteries and others get rich by working hard.

The rest of us have to watch our spending and save where we can.

This is where the axiom "a penny saved is a penny earned" comes into play. If you find a way to save $100, after all, isn't that the same as having an extra $100 tax-free?

Of course it is.

Most of us waste precious funds we could otherwise use for living expenses or to put into savings. Here are a few ways to save a wad of cash each month:

Groceries. There are many ways to save money at the market. You've probably heard that it's a bad idea to go shopping on an empty stomach and it's true. Shopping hungry can lead to impulse buys, which is money out of your pocket you didn't budget. Making and sticking to a list will also cut down on your total bill. If you don't have a list, after all, you may buy things you forgot you had. You may also forget things you need �â'¬" which means wasting more money in gas for a return trip. Check the circulars for sales and be sure to use coupons on top of the sales. And, if your market has a frequent shopper card that provides additional discounts on certain items, be sure to use it.

Warehouse stores. Sam's Club and BJ's are great ways to save wads of cash. For a reasonable yearly "membership" fee, you'll be able to buy items you normally use at discounted prices. You may have to buy large quantities of mustard, toilet paper or coffee, but by buying in bulk, you will save money. Warehouse stores are also great places to pick up books, clothing, tires, toys, lawn and garden supplies, and more on the cheap. Many warehouse stores also have their own gas stations, too. The prices are typically cheaper by ten cents or more per gallon. By filling up there, you can recoup your membership fee in less than a year. The rest of the savings are added gravy.

Save even more on gas. Now you fill your tank at warehouse stores. But there are other ways to save even more - up to $50 to $150 or more - in gas costs every month. Carpooling is a great idea. Since you have to go to and from work everyday, it makes sense to find someone who works with or near you to share the expense with. Grouping your errands geographically will save you a couple bucks, too. For instance, if the warehouse store (and its gas station) and pet store are next to each other, wait to go to one until you have to go to both. This reduces miles on your car and the speed your gas gauge goes to "E." Use your bicycle or walk for short trips, as well.

Car insurance. Sure, you can call or go online and save a bunch of money on your car insurance. But after saving money on gas by reducing the number of miles you travel, you can save even more. Call your insurance company and inform them that instead of driving, say, an average of 30 miles per day, you're now only driving 20. By reducing your driving miles, you save money at the pump and on car insurance - it's like double-dipping!

Buy used. Books, music, clothes and furniture can be purchased for a fraction of the cost if you buy used. In addition to checking out the usual online haunts like eBay, become a regular at consignment shops and thrift stores. Be choosy �â'¬" there may be some beat up items, but you will find some real gems. It's not uncommon to fill entire rooms with furniture for less than $100 (compared to several thousand you could spend by buying new). Regular wear and even quality business clothes can be obtained cheaply, too. Instead of spending $400 or more on a new business suit, you could easily find one just as good for just $20.

Some of these money-saving techniques may seem a little odd, but they won't hurt your quality of life. Quite the contrary - you'll actually increase your quality of life by saving a wad of cash every month.