When you’re thinking about budgeting or saving money, it may be difficult to see where you can make changes. However, no matter how tight you may think your purse strings are, there are plenty of ways you can cut down on your expenses and finally start putting some money in the bank for a rainy day.

Meal Planning

What does meal planning have to do with saving money, you ask? Only everything. Let’s face it, grocery shopping can be very expensive if you just wander the aisles and put everything in your cart that catches your eye. However, if you plan out your meals ahead of time, you have a definitive shopping list to stick to which ideally means that you’re not splurging on junk food or produce that might end up going to waste. Meal planning on a budget is one of the best things you can do because you know exactly what you’re spending your money on, and those pennies you don’t spend? Tuck them away!

Turn Off The Lights and Electronics

When you’re not in a room, the worst thing you can do is leave your lights or television on. Doing so only raises your electricity bill. While you may not see much of a difference, the small amounts of money do add up over time. Make it a point to hit the switch and the off button when you leave and you’ll thank yourself for it later.

Pay More Than The Minimum on Your Credit Cards and Loans

This might seem like a crazy way to save money because you’re paying more initially, but the gain is in the long term, not the short term. You’re actually saving money on future interest when you make more than the minimum payment. So if you have a short-term installment loan or a credit card with a high interest rate, pay a little more each month and you’ll not only pay down the balance sooner, you’ll save money doing it.

Eat At Home

This is often suggested as a way of saving money because it’s oh so true. Eating out costs you a lot more than eating in, especially when you factor in that you can cook for more people on the same budget that a dinner or lunch out would cost. Not only is eating at home cheaper, but it’s also healthier in most cases. As an added bonus, you can take the leftovers to work the next day or pack them as part of your child’s lunch and get even more mileage out of your buck.

Saving money is something that you have to be diligent about. It means knowing where to cut back and where it’s okay to spend more. Create a budget, track every penny that you spend and you’ll be able to find some questionable expenses that you’ll immediately recognize as something you can do without. Even if it means cutting back on your cable bill or getting rid of it altogether, or paying more on a loan to decrease the overall interest. Before you know it, you’ll be a budget pro and offering tips to your friends and family members.