By Jessica Garringer,

Contributing Writer

8:44 PM Sunday, November 13, 2011

I could ask anyone if they wanted some more money in their wallet, and I know I would get a resounding yes. How about if I tell you that you can save money all on your own just by changing a few minor habits? Would you believe me if I said you can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars over the course of a year?

Many people swear up and down that they are at their bare minimum salary. They live paycheck to paycheck and cannot fathom any way to put money into savings. Yet, many of these same people eat fast food once or twice a week, buy coffee on the way to work or pick up a snack in the vending machines.

By just switching your daily routines slightly, the pennies you save can add up to quite a bit of cash saved. Here are a few ideas to save some money in your daily routine.

Make coffee at home

With coffee drinks ranging from $1 up to $5 or $6, getting your daily caffeine fix could add up fast. During a year, you could be spending $260 to $1,560 just picking up a cup of coffee before you go to work.

By making coffee at home, you can save anywhere from $160 to $1,460 every year. It just takes a few extra seconds of your time and the savings can be drastic.

Pack your lunch

We all live very busy lives and fast food seems to be a staple in many daily routines. However, with an average value meal running about $5, eating fast food for lunch can add up really quickly. If you eat fast food just three times per week you are spending roughly $780 every year on fast food.

“A lot of people spend too much money grabbing fast food for lunch,” said Nona Belcher, a resident of Vandalia.

“Not only is it hard on the wallet, it can be hard on the waistline. I have started making a few extra servings at night when making dinner and then using them for lunch the following day.”

Use your library

Libraries aren’t just for books anymore. You can find DVDs, CDs and even video games at your local library. Rather than spending money renting or buying your entertainment, peruse the shelves at your local library for some great deals. Before you ask, no, they aren’t all outdated materials. Many libraries have fairly new releases for you to choose from.

Avoid the vending machine

Vending machines may take the extra change in your pocket, but in a year’s time that extra change can add up. If every work day you get an afternoon snack and something to drink, you could be spending around $500 a year. Yes, that is $500 on just snacks!

“I take a water bottle and oatmeal to work so I don’t spend money on the vending machine,” said Kristin VanMeter, a resident of Dayton. In addition, to vending machine snacks, ditch those water bottles for a reuseable bottle that can be refilled each day. By doing this, you are not only saving at least $200 a year, you are also helping keep plastic bottles out of our landfills.

“I have a reusable water bottle that I fill up every morning for work and reuse each day,” said Ali Schulze, a resident of Miamisburg.

“It keeps me from spending money on bottled water.”

Think green

Produce can be an expensive purchase at the grocery. To save some cash, go green. Plant your own garden and grow your own produce each year. You can freeze or can your items to last you through the winter months. Don’t have the space for a huge garden? Put a few small flower pots in your kitchen and grow herbs or smaller vegetables.

Jessica Garringer is an avid couponer and bargain hunter from the Beavercreek area. Contact her at JessicaGarringer@gmail.com or visit www.
SaverSavvy.wordpress.com.