There are basically two ways to increase your disposable income

  1. Make more money.
  2. Save more money.

The first way may not be the easiest, because it usually equates to spending more time working (unless you have your money working for you and making more money that way).   You can learn more about different ways to make additional income at FreshMoneyIdeas.com!

These are some solutions to help you save more money so that when the end of the month comes rolling around you can keep that piggy bank nice and intact!

FitSavers

Guarantees you will save $100.00 a month.  Sign up for a $20 membership (normally $40 per month) using the code “save” on their site.  That means you can save $80 per month with FitSavers!  Visit their site at www.fitsavers.com to see how.

10 Money Savings Tips

  1. Create A Reserve Fund – first thing to do is to set aside a few thousand dollars for emergencies. One of the big reasons people go into debt is that something unforseen happens like loss of employment, auto repairs, meeting deductibles or paying medical bills and then they have to put it on the credit card. After interest and fees they end up spending 30% more than the actual expense. This emergency fund can be created with a company bonus, a stimulus check from the government or set aside a little each month.
  2. Avoid Impulse Buying – walk away from large ticket items until you have had at least 24 hours to think about it. This will help take the emotion out of the purchase. When grocery shopping, use a list and get in and get out. Be a “hunter” not a “gatherer”.
  3. Improve Your Credit Score – higher credit scores result in lower interest rates on mortgages which can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. Remember to pay regularly and on time, get your debt under 50% of your available credit line, avoid closing older, more established accounts and have about four or five sources of credit that you pay on a regular basis.
    Credit Score Estimator
  4. Adjust Your Paycheck Withholdings – increase your withholding allowances with your employer if you are getting a tax refund each year. Rather than give that money to Uncle Sam interest-free for a year, you can get that money now with each paycheck that you receive. Use the “extra” proceeds to pay down high interest debt.
    Should I Adjust My Payroll Withholdings?
  5. Sell/Barter Things That You Don’t Use – list items that you haven’t used for over a year for sale on EBay and/or CraigsList and apply the proceeds towards your debt elimination plan. Garage sales can also help. You can also exchange items with friends and family so you don’t each have to buy one.
  6. Get Rid Of Expensive/Bad Habits – kick a $5 a day smoking habit, for example, and you can save $1,825 per year (an extra mortgage payment!). Obesity is one of the top contributors to health problems. Eat less food and save on your grocery bill. Reduce alcohol consumption. You are also likely to save on long-term medical costs by kicking some bad habits now. Possible interest savings exist by paying biweekly instead of monthly on your mortgage.
    Should I Convert to a Bi-Weekly Payment Schedule?
  7. Forego a Few Luxuries – eat out less, take a brown bag lunch to work occasionally, forego the morning Starbucks, cancel a few magazine subscriptions, go a little longer between haircuts, give up the gym membership and go for free runs in the park, shop less frequently or be more prudent where you shop, don’t buy scented candles, avoid vending machines and door-to-door solicitors, make birthday/christmas gifts rather than buy them, etc.
    What Is The Value Of Reducing, Postponing or Foregoing Expenses?
  8. Use Public Transportation – save hundreds of dollars a year by using public transportation (if available) rather than spending it on costly fuel and auto repairs
  9. Save On Utilities – lower your thermostat a little in the winter and raise it a few degrees in the summer, take advantage of credits offered by local utility companies for increasing your insulation, buying more energy efficent appliances, etc. Turn down the water heater. Turn off lights when not being used. Unplug appliances when not in use. Return the extra garbage can to the city if you are not filling it up each week.
  10. Bundle Services/Shop Insurance Coverages – many companies allow you to bundle telephone, internet and TV services and realize significant savings. Insurance rates vary greatly from carrier to carrier. Shop around for the best auto/home/life insurance rates without compromising coverage.

Blogs/Forums/Resources and other Money-Saving Ideas

Financial Community
Ask questions, share stories, use hundreds of financial calculators and educational articles.
http://www.HelpMeFinancial.com

Save on Utility Bills
http://apps.facebook.com/yesweconserve/

Save on Groceries, Services and Other Items
For example, click on this link to watch a video snippet of how one lady reduced her grocery bill by 97%!
http://www.fitsavers.com Use the promo code SAVE
http://www.valpak.com
http://www.mycoupons.com
http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com
http://shine.yahoo.com/topic/saving
http://www.ebates.com

Free Annual Credit Report

http://www.annualcreditreport.com

Motivational Thoughts

There is a treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. Proverbs 21:20
Most wealthy people do not replace things until they no longer work.
A penny saved is a penny earned, but a penny saved today is a penny earning more.