Five easy ways to save money now. . . .

As I become better at saving my money rather than spending it, I continue to look for ways to improve my frugal habits. While I've already committed to some of these money-saving endeavors, others on the list I'm still contemplating. In any case, these may give you some food for thought as you whittle your own budget.

1. Stop buying bottled water. Tap water is (almost) free, and research has even shown that bottled water is no cleaner than the water that flows from the faucet, so invest in a Sigg aluminum bottle, and save your cash for debt repayment, your emergency fund or investment.
2. Cancel the cable. There are better things to do than sit on the couch watching TV. Read a book (borrowed from the library, of course); go for a walk with your kids or spouse; or, learn to cook.
3. Make your own coffee. A cup of coffee brewed at home costs just cents on the dollar, while even a regular coffee (nothing fancy) from Starbucks costs almost $1.50! If you're a regular coffee drinker, get yourself a thermos and enjoy your own brew---and keep that extra cash in your savings account.
4. Cancel the landline. Many younger adults are now relying entirely on their cellphones for telephone service. If you have access to wireless internet service (meaning, you don't need a landline) consider canceling that home phone service. In my case, I'd save upwards of $40 a month with this option.
   
5. Reconsider how much you spend on clothing. Marketers have created an environment in which 'last year's boots' are simply out of style because they have a square toe rather than a pointy one. Don't fall for the artificial need for newer, 'better' fashions. If you can't quite give up the clotheshorse gene, try shopping consignment and thrift stores, as I'll do this year.

Just these five changes could save as much as $150 a month, which would be $1,800 a year! That's like giving yourself a substantial (tax free) raise each month. If you're looking for ways to live beneath your means in order to meet other financial goals (like paying off debt), these tips could go a long way in helping you reach your objectives!