Save $2,000 This Year Without Getting a Raise!

Public announcement: there are ways to save money without having to make more money! It's true. By implementing small changes in your daily lifestyle, saving money is as easy as 1-2-3. Here are some conventional methods of improving your cash flow (allowing you to save more), as well as some ways that probably never crossed your mind.

Brown bag your lunch (annual savings - $1,092). If you choose to purchase your lunch every day at a restaurant, this will cost you $7 on average per day. Break this habit by brown bagging your lunch (an equivalent meal for about 40% of the cost of purchasing from a restaurant) and watch your savings increase.

Shop for new car insurance (annual savings - $400). Based on my research, the average driver who switches auto insurance companies saves about $200 each policy period (each period being about six months). Shop often-there is no penalty for how many times you change insurance companies, as long as there is no lapse in your coverage. Keep your auto rates low by taking an online driving course (saves you about $40 to $50 per period), and reducing your risk for car accidents and speeding tickets. Another way to reduce your auto insurance premium is to raise your deductible for accidents.

Switch from digital phone service to VoIP (annual savings - $180). The average digital phone service, with caller ID, call waiting, and 3-way calling is about $40 per month. Vonage, a leading provider of VoIP services, offers plans with unlimited long distance calling and more than 20 features, including these three for about $25 per month. VoIP runs through internet broadband service. If you have a cell phone also, consider getting rid of your land line altogether for maximum savings.

Substitute your daily soda or snack from the vending machine with water or a snack from home (annual savings - $144). There are about 240 work days in the year. Mindless purchases from the vending machine accumulate significantly throughout the year! Since you will now be purchasing all of your snacks and drinks from the grocery store (you can get an equivalent snack or drink from the grocery store for about 60% less than in the vending machine), you can keep more money in your pocket. For even more savings, join a wholesale club like Sam's, BJ's or Costco and save even more annually.

Go to the movies during the week, instead of on the weekends (annual savings - $120 per person, based on movie trips twice per month). Lots of theaters offer discounts for viewing films during weeknights or early on the weekends (matinee). Take advantage of the lower price as well as less interruptions during the movie-weekday and matinee viewings are usually less crowded than on the weekends.

Check out a book from your local library instead of purchasing from the bookstore (annual savings - $100 for 4 books). Support your local library (membership is free!) and browse the latest topics. With books costing around $24.95 each, it is easy to see the advantage of getting them from the library at no cost.

With just these tips alone, you will have saved $2,036 per year-without too much of an effort. Invest this money in a high-yield savings account and watch your money grow!