By: Maggie Toro

1. Carry a small notebook to document all your spending. Online trackers are also available, like Mint.com.
2. Brown-bag it. You will save money each day by bringing your lunch to work.
3. Check for coupons from local restaurants that you can use to reduce your eating cost.
4. Avoid days when grocery items go up: the 1^st, 2^nd 3^rd, 15^th, 30^th and 31^st. Leave the kids at home, bring a list and stick to it.  Everything at eye level is the most expensive.
5. Downgrade. Buy a converter box and TV antenna or eliminate cable all together.
6. Carry small amount of cash if you are prone to spend.  Use a debit card to help you keep track of your monthly expenses.
7. Look for ways to reduce cell phone charges. Prepaid cell phone is an option.
8. Carpool with friends or co-workers to save money on gas or take the bus to work or school.
9. Instead of going to the movies, rent a movie for a family night at home.
10. Save at least 10 percent of your pay for an emergency fund. Once you have at least $1000 saved, put it in a CD account to make your money increase at the end of the CD term.