You can work hard and maybe get a raise, or perhaps there is another line of work that will pay more. We can do a lot to make more money, but unfortunately there are outside influences like the economy that regulate what we can do for our career. Earning more money gets more and more difficult and we aren’t always in control of what we make. The one thing we have control over is what we spend, and for many, there is room for improvement. With a little imagination, life will only change for the better. With some discipline, a lot of money will be saved. Follow a few of our pointers, and we dare you not to.

Drive Less, Live More:
There are sites that track traffic problems, and radio shows that are dedicated to an audience stuck between home and work. Gas prices are at an all time high, and there is little hope that prices will drop to true affordability. Spend less time in the car and on gas by making a few simple changes to your daily life. For example, run errands on your way to or from work, and to businesses close to the shortest route between the two locations when at all possible. Also, try driving closer to the speed limit and taking a little longer to accelerate to that. Doing so will get your best MPG in addition to making life safer. When you do fill up, check for the lowest price in your area. A lot of stations will run specials on one day of the week.

Cook at Home, Eat Healthy:
Eating out is expensive, and is often unhealthy. Food is a big part of our budget, but it is hard to see it with a few bucks here and a few there. With so many fast ways to pick up a meal in today’s society, it's easy to overlook how much money is spent on a monthly basis. If you spend $5 per day on average on a five day work week, that’s around $100 per month. Making a sandwich at home or even making something more in depth the night before can save a lot of money and will typically be healthier. It also saves a time and effort in going out for lunch, since most work environments provide a sufficient kitchen. Eating dinner out is typically even more expensive. Buying foods from the grocery store is often cheaper and can be a lot healthier. Not to mention, the same ingredients can be stretched out over a number of meals. Take time and have fun with preparing dinner. You’ll be surprised how your wallet and taste buds will thank you.

Cut Unneeded Housing Costs:
No matter if you live in a small apartment or a large house, there are plenty of ways to cut monthly bills. Since most of us leave the house on a regular schedule, replace that basic thermostat with a programmable one. Spending $30-$50 on one will save you a lot more in the long run if you change a few degrees during the away hours. Another cost effective start is to check all of the exterior doors for air leaks, and make the necessary adjustments. Many older homes are a drain on savings in several ways. Many of the changes here can be more expensive, but can be equally as rewarding. Check windows to make sure they are properly insulated. If they aren’t, consider investing in windows that are. While you are at it, check the attic for proper insulation. Adding insulation is an easy task that will take less than a couple of days to complete. If either of these issues are needed, try checking with Lowe’s or Home Depot, as they typically offer the best prices and can help instruct you on how to do it yourself as a way to save money. You might even add value to your home in the process!

Kill the Habits:
The most often example is smoking and it is a good one. The cost of a pack of cigarettes can reach $5 per pack, and if you smoke a pack per day, that could reach $140 per month. Even if it is less, it is definitely a bill worth cutting. There are plenty of other habits to look at, including those of us addicted to caffeinated beverages. Try cutting down on those, and add water to your diet. Outside of physical health, some of us need to look at ‘late charges’ as significant expenditures. Whether it is a late dvd back to the rental store or a forgotten payment on a credit card or bill, all can cost you unnecessarily. Make sure to keep up with time on all of these things.

Manage the Wardrobe:
We will not tell you to shop at the thrift store for your cloths, but is it necessary to pay top dollar for brand names? The answer is definitely not. There are plenty of outlet stores to shop that can save big dollars. If you are forced to shop retail, watch sales closely. Try buying cloths towards the end of the particular season you are in as a way to save big dollars. Outside of buying new cloths, you can make your existing wardrobe last longer. Try wearing more than once if it truly isn’t dirty. The wash cycle tends to wear out cloths prematurely. When you do wash, use the appropriate amount of detergent, which is less than you think.