Money Saving Tips

With the current economy in a bit of a slump, more and more people are feeling the pinch in their pocket and looking for ways to save a few dollars.

It's not to say these tips will bring in big returns, but every little bit helps.

Below is a list of tips that will help keep money in your wallet, where it belongs:

Find out where your money is going. The best way to save money is to determine where it is going and to see where you can cut back on unnecessary expenses. Begin by keeping track of everything you purchase for a week. The results may surprise you;

Have financial friendly dates and get-togethers. Be creative. Instead of doing the usual dinner and a movie, cook a meal together at home and rent a movie. Be a local tourist and roam around town like it's your first visit. Be active. Go for a run together. People watching is always fun and it's free entertainment;

Stash emergency money. It doesn't necessarily have to be for emergencies, but it will be useful in the long run to put away X amount of dollars every week for possible emergencies, vacations, savings, down payments or anything that you'll need in a hurry. Be diligent about putting the money aside-and don't use it except for its intended purpose;

Determine your purpose before heading to the store. Impulse buys are my weakness. These strategically placed items are evil. Not really, but you often end up buying things you didn't know you 'needed.' Before heading out to a store, determine what you need to buy and only buy what you intended to;

Use the 10-second rule. For some of us, the above-mentioned tip may seem nearly impossible without going into the store wearing blinders. The 10-second rule is just that. Before deciding to purchase an item, take about 10 seconds and ask yourself if you really need the item;

Learn to cook. Or at least learn how to pack a lunch. Eating out is convenient and fun, but it also eats away at your wallet. Even cutting back one day a week will save a little. Investing in a simple, beginners cookbook will eventually pay for itself in money saved, and you'll be able to impress your boy/girlfriend with your amazing cooking skills. If all else fails, you may be broke but at least you're not hungry.