In these economic times, everyone is looking t pinch some pennies, keep more money in their pocket or find ways to cut back on the stuff they really don’t need. Everyone is feeling the crunch but there are ways to take some of the pressures off. These recommendations may not be easy on the follow through but when the economy picks up again, will be one of the first people ahead of the gate.

1. Find Free Ways to entertain yourself- Get rid of the cable, cut up your blockbuster card, cancel your Netflix membership.  Try listening to local radio stations, picking up a free newspaper or magazine or get a library card. If you still insist on keeping your internet then fine. There are a lot of great online sites, like YouTube that offer free entertainment and you will definitely need your internet to check out my blog!;P.  An easy way to save on internet would be to cancel with any provider that is charging you the regular rate for your service and opt for a company that will give you a great introductory rate for 6-12 months. You may need to sign a contract but you will SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!
2. Get Over Your Gas Addiction- and get yourself a bus pass, a bicycle or just walk. The weather is great and you would be doing your health and the environment some good. Depending on where you live, a bus pass may cost about $75-$120/mo.  There are people who easily pay 2x that when trying to fill up their tanks every month. Not to mention you don’t have to worry about paying for parking, maintenance, parking/speeding tickets, insurance fees… In many cities, a pass can say people up to $8000/year easy!
3. Bag Your Lunch- you can easily save $7/day or up $140/mo if you work 5 days a week.  That’s almost $1700/year if you just take some leftovers or make a sandwich for work.
4. Don’t Travel On Your Vacation- Awww, this may suck for those who had their hearts set on leaving the country for tropical weather and sandy beaches, but you can still enjoy your vacation at home.  If you live in the city, there are wonderful spas in your area. And why not check out landmarks and event happening around your city. Museums, Zoos, Festivals, Carnivals, Night Clubs, Shopping Centers, Fitness Centers, Country Clubs… you may be surprised about what’s happening in your area. A vacation for 2 overseas can cost as much as $2000 for 2 weeks. Airline tickets, transportation, hotel stay, food, and spending cash.  In this economic times, why not put that money back into your own community? If you insist on traveling abroad then why not go and see family. Usually you can get free accommodations depending on who you are visiting.
5.  No More McD’s- No more eating out period.  Enjoy the family bonding you can get when cooking at home with the people you love. You can get a recipe book and try out some of your culinary skills. It could be funs, you’d save quite a bit, you will teach your kids good family values and you may even improve your health. Wining and Dining can cost a pretty penny and that’s because you are paying for the food, the time to prepare it, the utilities, health inspections, licensing, rent for the establishment, employee wages and the owner still needs to make a profit. Many restaurants tend to also serve extremely large portions. So you are either expected to stuff yourself silly or take home leftovers that you are highly likely to throw out eventually. So no more Starbuck and their designer coffees, no more Pizza Hut, No more Burger King… time for some wholesome home cooking from here on out!
6. It Pays to Recycle! Give the environment a helping hand and save all your bottles and containers and turn them in for cash. At my work, I was surprised at how many of my co-workers were just tossing out their bottles like they were nothing. I’m 1 month, I was able to collect nearly $200.00 in bottles and cans. As they say, “1 man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” It’s easy to scorn and look down at individuals who rumage through other people’s trash for bottles and cans.  Hey, money is money. I’m not suggesting that you go out rummage for yourself. But keep in mind, that every bottle or can you save is money in your pocket. I never toss a can or bottle away. Even if I have to spend the whole day carrying an arm full, I will do so. If for nothing else but to keep that stuff out of the landfill.
7. NO More Bottle Water- bottled water is definitely not better for you than tap water.  You are usually paying to drink the exact same stuff that comes right out of your tap for free. Also the chemicals in the plastic can leech its way into the water, especially if you leave the bottles in a hot place (like your car on a sunny day) for an extended amount of time. Get yourself a water filter jug or attachment for your faucet. Also, get yourself a reusable stainless steel canteen to store you water when you are on the go. Save your money, and keep bottles out of the landfill.
8.  Get Rid OF Your Junk- Sell what you don’t want on eBay or in a yard sale. There are some thrift stores and pawn shops willing to pay for your old cloths, books, CDs, electronics you don’t use anymore. Put some extra cash in your pocket or shop for pennies at auctions, yard sales, pawn shops and thrift stores. Remember, “1 man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
9. Open a GIC Savings Account- It’s a risk free way of saving money you don’t want to spend. There are many programs with 1, 2 or 3 year terms or different interest rates to choose from. With all that money you will be saving, a good savings plan will allow you actually see the results of your dedications and effort.
10.  Take Advantage Of Coupons- Newspapers, magazines, flyers, websites… cut them out and save up to 25% on groceries when you go shopping. 
11. Lighten Your Load- Save money by taking better care of yourself.  One way to better your health is as simple as walking for at least 30 minutes a day 3 days a week can save up to $300/year in health care costs.  And it’s FREE.  Instead of taking the escalator or elevator, take the stairs. Ride your bike as much as possible. Also, take better care about portion control. No, I’m not telling you to starve yourself. But rather then eating to the point of being stuffed, try to go for a state of satisfaction. Eat slowly. It can take up to 20 minutes for your brain to receive the message that you are full so if your brain enough time to catch up with your tummy. Eat out of smaller plates and containers. You are less tempted to over eat when you eat of small containers compared eating out of the original product packaging( e.g. poor potato chips into a small bowel rather than eating it straight from the bag). If you eat less, you will need to spend less on food. But again, if you already got your eating habits under control, don’t starve yourself.  But keep in mind that being overweight can weigh heavily on both your wallet and the environment RustyLime Article.
12.  Sign Up For Cash back Programs Online- You get an automatic discount at your favourite stores plus you get bonuses for sharing these programs with your friends.

Check out  12 More Ways To Save Up To $10, 000 A Year.