Saving Money on a Budget - Not Impossible

We all know the importance of saving for a rainy day and building a nest egg for our future, but how on earth do you put aside anything when there is no budge in your budget? Saving is not as impossible as it may seem.

Here are a few tips to help you get you motivated.

1. Despise not small beginnings. I've said this before and I'll say it again, over and over until this point sinks in. Whether you save five dollars or five hundred dollars a month, regular contributions add up!

2. Wealth is a mindset. Another point I've made before but bears repeating. Instead of bemoaning what you don't have, focus on and be grateful for what you do have.

Okay, these first two are mental things below are the practical ones.

3. Round up to the nearest dollar. Many banks are implementing this option on debit card transactions, but you can do this yourself. When you subtract a purchase from your check register, round up to the nearest dollar. At the end of the month balance your checkbook and write a check for whatever amount is in there and deposit it into your savings account. Don't have a savings account yet? Write the check anyway and put it in an envelope earmarked for savings until you have enough to open one.

4. Bank loose change. Every day empty your pocket or purse of loose change and put it in a jar or bank. At the end of the month, wrap and deposit into your savings account.

5. Pack a lunch. The average lunch meal is $3-$5 a day. That's $15-$25 a week! You can buy a pre-packaged frozen dinner or pack a sandwich, fruit and yogurt for much less. Even if you only save $1 or $2 a day bringing your lunch, put that aside and see how quick it adds up.

6. Combine activities and save on gas. If you can grocery shop while your oil is being changed you'll save on gas. Estimate the price of one gallon every time you do this and put that amount into your savings envelope or change bank.

7. Use coupons. Most store receipts show how much you save by using coupons and this a great way to save money - IF you take the amount you save and actually put it into your savings account!

8. Shop sales. The same rule applies as using coupons. Save 20, 40 or 60 % on a sale item? Take that amount and put it into savings.

9. Stash what's left. Every payday take whatever amount is currently in your checking account and put that into you savings account. Not possible every payday? Then try doing this at the end of the month when all the bills are paid. Again, even if only $5.00 every little bit counts.

10. Pocket the money you save using gift cards. If you receive a $25 gift card to eat somewhere, put that amount into your savings account. Wal-Mart offers a $.03 cent savings per gallon if you use one of their gift cards when you purchase gasoline. Might only be $.45 per tank but hey, put this in the bank with your loose change every time you fill up and watch those coins multiply!

These are a just a few tips on how you can start saving but remember consistency is the key.