Top 5 Ways to Save Money

Saving money is a difficult task, if not just because it is so easy to spend. Follow these tips however, and you'll definitely save more money than you save now. Exactly how much you save is up to you.

1.) Get a cash-back debit or credit card.

If you're not good with credit cards, because like me, you spend money if you have it, then you can still take advantage of cash-back features through a debit card. Even though you'll likely only receive 1% to 6% back, that adds up over time --especially if you're a big spender.

2.) Take The Power Back at the Pumps

Gas prices were sky-high over the summer, and in case that happens again, be prepared. If you swear by a certain brand, like Shell or Exxon, then sign up for their respective promotions that give you a certain percentage (again, 1% to 6%) back when you gas up at their stations. A more pragmatic option, however, is to get a cash-back credit card that works at all gas stations. Chase is a good option for this, as it offers specific incentives (like 6% cash back for the first 90 days) for fueling up. This is especially useful for those with an SUV, or another vehicle that goes through gas quickly.

3.) Skip the latte, or at least get a discount on it.

Call it nitpicking, but I feel a little anger come over me whenever I read a financial article that explains how much money I could save over 10 years if I didn't get a cup of coffee every morning. My question to them is: "how many lattes would I have missed out on?" Starbucks now offers a rewards card, which is good for 2 free hours of Wi-Fi a day, and other benefits such as free syrup. Syrup usually costs $.30, so even if you just save on the syrup, you can save $1.50 a week.

4.) Only buy things you need.

This is difficult, but essential. I oftentimes find myself buying things I don't need, and being broke when there is something I need (or strongly want). Refrain from making trips to the mall just to have something to do, and you'll find yourself with a fuller pocket.

5.) Plan to save a certain portion of your income.

Take a week or two to figure out how much money you want to spend in a given week, and relegate the rest of your income to savings. With this method, you can plan out how much money you'll have, because you save the same amount every week.

There you have it. Happy saving!