Accept Change 2

Let's face it, saving money and pinching pennies out of your budget is going to require you to make some changes. Obviously, if you keep on doing what you have been doing, you will keep on getting what you have been getting. You will have to look at old habits and try some new tactics if you want to keep more of your green than you have been.

Even if you feel you have heard this all before, you wouldn't be here if you weren't looking for something new you can try.

So to review what we have covered so far:

Respect your money by agreeing that every penny matters.

Begin to consider your expenses as needs versus wants.

Accept change given by store clerks and use your pennies quickly to turn them back into silver.

Drink water to save on beverage expenses.

And finally, keep looking for thrifty changes you can make.

Drink Water

I don't mean individual bottles. They are a scourge on our purses and our environment. But excluding individual serving sizes, water is nearly always cheaper than any alternative. Our local, state and federal governments spend millions to make sure we have clean tap water to drink. Whenever possible, take advantage of this resource.

If you truly can’t trust the water at your home, filter it. Still cheaper than soda, juice, milk, beer, etc.

At restaurants, order ice water (with a lemon slice if you prefer) and save 20%-30% on your lunch tab versus ordering iced tea or soda (which will be made from that same tap water). If you’re afraid to drink the water served at the restaurant, consider that they are preparing the food in the same water. If you wouldn't drink the water, you wouldn't eat the food prepared in it, right?

You need water. Eight glasses a day is the general wisdom. Drink it and save money every day.