10 Ways to Save $1 A Day

So what, you're asking? What's a buck a day going to do for me?

Well, let's do the math. $1 a day is $365 bucks per year (excluding leap year of course). If you put that $365 into a money market account earning 5% interest, you'd have $2068.75, a full $243.75 more than if you had just shoved the extra cash in your mattress. Leave that green and let it accumulate another 5 years and you'd have earn an additional $829.94 in interest for a grand savings of $4723.69. Not too shabby for just a buck a day huh? Here's how to do it:

1. Take your lunch - If you spend even $5 bucks a day on lunch, that's $25 for an average work week. Instead, take your lunch and tuck the extra cash away in your money market account. If a buck will net you over a grand in interest in just 10 years, imagine what $5 will do!
2. Stop smoking - Here's another $5 bucks a pop you could be stashing away. Now, don't get me wrong - I know its hard... believe me... I know. But tobacco addictions are just that: addictions, waiting to be broken so you can replace them with a healthier, more profitable habit. Just imagine how happy your lungs and your pocketbook would be.
3. Collect your change - We all dump our change somewhere - whether its the bottom of a purse or the floor of your car. Take that change and stuff it into a can or jar for safe keeping (your couch cushions are not a good idea) and then when you have enough coins, roll them up and cash them in.
4. Walk - Can you walk to the grocery store, convenience store, friend's house or other desitnation? If so, its time to put those walking shoes on. Walking not only strengthens your bones and cardiovascular system, its also a very easy way to save gas. And we all know how much gas can cost.
5. Consolidate - Does your phone company offer cell service or high-speed internet? Combine your services and save! Many of the big service providers offer impressive discounts when you bundle your services together. Just be sure to pay your bill on time or you could be without more than just a disconnected phone.
6. Use coupons - And reward cards as well. Grocery shopping can get very expensive very quick so it makes sense to save where you can. Bonus cards and reward cards can save you as much as $20 to $30 bucks depending of course, on how much you buy and if you add in some coupon cash, you could average out to an extra dollar a day in savings.
7. Downgrade - Do you really need all 516 channels? Three-way calling and speed dial? Look for ways to downgrade some of your luxury services and watch those savings start adding up.
8. Cook - One of the biggest savings-busters is restaurants. We eat out all the time, whether its fast food or five-star entrees. Make eating out the special occassion it was meant to be and try your hand at cooking the rest of the time. You just might discover a newfound passion.
9. Skip the Starbucks - No offense - I'm a coffee lover too but just one less cappucino a day (soft drink lovers, this applies to you too) and you could be banking an extra $30 to $40 bucks a month.
10. Round up - When you pay for something using your debit card or checks, round up a buck in your register. You won't miss it on a day-to-day basis, but the difference will add up quickly.