The following is a guest post on how to save money by Kevin at Debt Eye.

A lot of my readers are always asking me for the best recommendation to get out of debt. Whether it’s a debt settlement plan, a debt management program, or even filing for bankruptcy, my first answer to them is: learn how to save money & budget. Getting out of debt is always a concern and priority, but the most important piece of the puzzle that is often overlooked is learning how to stay debt free.

I’ve found that most problems come from overspending. To tackle this problem, it’s important to develop some money saving habits. There isn’t one solution that’s going to drastically make a huge improvement to your financial health. I always encourage all my readers to slowly incorporate some of these money saving habits early on. Applying some of these habits will prevent them from falling into the same trap after they’re debt free.

How To Save Money: 6 Basic Tips

Lose the Coffee: If you’re like me, morning coffee is a must. I used to buy coffee every morning before work. It was only $1.89 at Dunkin Donuts including tax where I lived (this is sad; I can’t believe I know exactly how much it costs including tax). Instead, buy a thermal mug and brew coffee at home or take advantage of your office coffee service.” Pack your own lunch: Besides saving money, packing your own lunch is a healthier alternative compared to greasy fast food. I agree that it can be difficult to make lunch every morning, but just a few times a week can help tremendously. Drive the Speed Limit: I never understood why people race to the next traffic light. Technically speaking, you’re not going to make it to your destination significantly faster. With rising gas prices, it’s important to watch your MPG. Don’t accelerate too hard on your gas pedal. I’m not telling you to drive like a grandpa, but if you treat your car with TLC, you’re definitely notice an increase in your mileage! Generic > Brand Name: Buying generic brand names (especially when it comes to medicine) is an instant money saver. Does it really matter if you’re buying Claratin or Walatin (Walgreens Version)? Although sometimes I must admit, I’m not a big fan of generic brand soda. [Editor’s note: The thought of buying generic medications lead to a good debate in one of my recent articles] Buy Online: This is especially true for electronic items. Whenever you go to a retail store, write down the brand and model number and search for this item online. I can almost assure you that you’ll find better prices with online retailers! Common Cents Savings– It’s time to find an empty jar or milk jug and turn it into your new piggy bank! Saving your coins can really add up. Most people can save about $40/month in coins!

Once you start to apply some of these money saving habits into your lifestyle, you’ll begin to see a noticeable difference that’s left in your bank account every month. These are just a few of many ideas that can help unload some of the weight off your shoulders. Be creative. Have fun. And be persistent!

photo by Renjith Krisnan

Author Bio: “Kevin is a writer for www.debteye.org. Debteye is a place where you can get unbiased opinions on anything related to personal finance. Kevin previously owned a debt settlement company prior to joining the DebtEye team. He is a certified debt specialist and also works with credit counselors across the nation”

