Eight Quick Things You Can Start Right Now To Save Money!

1. Why not automate your finances? Back in the 1960s, computers were the size of whole rooms. Well, lucky for us those days are over. But without even having a computer you can automate your finances by direct debit. You will never pay late; never get overdue fees and you can file all your invoices right away. No more thinking in bed, "did I pay the electricity bill?" Now you know each month all your bills are handled.
   A word of warning, still open and double-check your bills. Companies still make mistakes. Just give it the once over to make sure you're getting charged the right amount.
   
   
2. Finally use all those gift cards. There was a study done which says nearly a third of all gift cards expire before people get around to using them. No wonder big stores love selling them. If you are like most people, you probably still have some in your purse or wallet collecting dust. Grab them and make a commitment to use them.
   
   
3. Cost wise, meals with no meat in them are far cheaper. Now we are not saying you should turn into a full-blown vegetarian, but could your household have just one day out of seven as a meat-free day? Even the White House in America has introduced this rule. Choose a day and start saving money.
   
   
4. Finally get organised with your taxes. Now we are not suggesting you should set up a secret account in the Cayman Islands to avoid paying taxes. What we are saying is stop keeping all your receipts in an old shoebox; put them into a folder and make sure you get all of them through the year. Talk to your accountant to see if there are any other receipts you could keep for your line of work. Come tax time, be on top of your game, and get the biggest legal discount possible.
   
   
5. "One man's trash is another man's treasure." You have heard the saying. You probably have a bunch of stuff you could sell on eBay or at a Garage Sale. Don't let this stuff sit there collecting dust, sell it and put the money to good use.
   
   
6. Call up all your utility companies and ask if there is a better deal. Shop around, a 5, 10 or 15 percent discount on things adds up very quickly. This should be done at least once a year.
   
   
7. Start using a diary. Do you forget important meetings, doctor's appointments or due dates? Missing these things not only cost you money, but also time, and adds stress to your life.
   
   
8. Two people driving the same distance every year can have two different petrol bills. Do you take off from a green light as if you are in the Grand Prix? Do you drive as if you are always running late? It's time to purposely slow down and take the pressure off your petrol usage. You don't have to drive this way, and it will add time between fuelling up; not to mention save you money.