How to Save Money Without Spending Money

Most people are finding it necessary now to save as much money as possible. But it isn't always easy. In fact, it is frighteningly simple to believe that you have to spend money to save money. That's not really true. It is possible to save money without spending money.

Don't need it? Don't buy it

The best way to do this is to avoid stores and catalogs and Internet shopping sites unless you really need to purchase something specific.

When you shop in a bricks-and-mortar store, leave your credit cards at home and only take enough cash with you to purchase what you need. Find the item, go straight to the checkout counter, then leave.

With catalogs and the Internet, circle or bookmark the item you want, then wait a few days before making your purchase. You may discover that your urgent need wasn't so urgent after all.

Another good idea is to force yourself to sell one thing on Craigslist or eBay for every new item you buy. Ideally, the money will cancel itself out. At the very least, you'll avoid requiring more shelf space, storage space or storage containers, which all can cost more money.

Cook at home

One of the easiest ways you can save money without spending money is to stop eating out and start eating at home. If you work, pack a lunch at home and take it with you. You can even save more if you make your own snacks and desserts. Buy snack items in large bags, then divide into reusable Velcro-sealed sandwich bags, and you'll save money from constantly buying plastic bags, too.

Make your own coffee

If you are in the habit of buying coffee every day, try making your own. With a little research and experimenting, you can make coffee at home that is just as tasty as that made by your local coffee shop. Even if you have to invest in a coffee maker to get started, you will still save money in the long run.

Pay your bills on time

If you don't have a calendar with large blocks, make one yourself. (Or, you can check the Internet for calendar templates.) Every time you receive a bill, write the due date on the calendar-at least a week in advance so you can mail it in plenty of time. Check it daily, and you'll no longer make late payments and incur hefty late fees and increased interest rates.

Avoid bank fees

Overdraft fees and ATM fees may be keeping you from saving money every month-and costing you a lot, to boot. Ask your bank to alter your account settings so you are unable to withdraw money, even on your debit card, when the balance is zero. Before you write a check or whip out that debit card, make sure you have the money in your account to cover it.

However, continued attempts to spend more than you have in the bank will incur overdraft charges that often are as much as $35 per item. (Then that $5 submarine sandwich turns into a $40 lunch!) If this sounds like you, ask if your bank can automatically dip into your savings to cover any overdrafts. If you have money in savings, this will prevent you from paying fines. Just remember to replenish your savings as soon as you can. (Creating an automatic withdrawal from checking to savings each month, even as little as $50, will help build your savings. In most cases, you won't even notice it's missing from your spending money.)

Make it a point to use only ATMs that don't charge you extra to use them. Typically, these tend to be only the ones your bank owns. Many banks don't yet charge you if you get cash back on a debit-card purchase; that's another way to avoid ATM fees (not to mention an extra trip to the bank, so you'll save money on gas, too!).

As you go through your day tomorrow, make a note mentally or on paper of everything you spend, or are about to spend. Before you do anything else, think about other ways you can save money without spending money on this item next time. A little creativity can add up to more money in your pocket.