In the wake of our financial crisis people are tightening their belts just to survive.  I have found 12 things you can do to save your money personally, and perhaps increase your wealth.

 •1.    Lower the interest rate on your credit cards by threatening to switch to another company.

If your card co. doesn't meet your request, nothing gets better attention than threatening to take away your business if they can not meet your needs.  In this economy they should make the effort.    

•2.      Make just two extra mortgage payments each year. 

Over time, this will virtually cut your 30 year interest in half!

•3.      Make a budget and stick to it. 

This goes for your household budget as well as business budget.  Never spend more than you make.  If you have never made a budget in the past, now might be a good time.

•4.      Track your spending.

Just for one month track every dime you spend and find out where the leaks are.  Are you spending too much on groceries, eating out, gasoline or buying stuff on impulse?  Do this for only one month.  It will be an eye opener to those who like to spend money, then plug the holes.

•5.      Trim the Fat!

Take a good look at everything you are paying.  Can you save money each month by switching phone services?  I saved a minimum of $100 per month doing this.  Can you combine your cable and internet service?  Can you save money by re-evaluating your car insurance, your homeowners insurance, or renters insurance?  Take the time to shop around and get the very best deal to save money each month on the monthly items you must pay.

• 6.   Use Direct Deposit whenever possible

This lessens the temptation to touch your money and tends to keep you on budget.

•7.      Use store coupons

Since I have been using store coupons, I have been saving an average of $70 per month when I shop the "buy one get one free sales" at the grocery store.  Visit coupon.com and other coupon sites since it is a rarity to find coupons in magazines anymore.  You can also find retail store coupons online as well.  Print them out with your color printer and most grocers and retailers will take them.

•8.      Hit the discount stores

Since I have been watching my budget, I am finding that I can save at the dollar stores, Big Lot stores, discount clothing stores like Ross, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx and even the thrift stores and consignment shops for my kids who love to wear the eclectic items.  There is nothing shameful about going to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.  Not only do you find incredible deals on the most unlikely items, but you do your part in the community by keeping people employed and the monies go to a charitable service.  I find the best games, records and eclectic jewelry there!  Most recently I found 5 original Elvis albums in pristine condition worth over $300.00!  Though it takes a bit of effort to look, you never know what bargains you will find!

•9.      Collect your excess coins in a jar.

I started this practice several years ago.  Everyone puts their loose coins in the jar each day.  Individually, everyone's separate change doesn't amount to much, but when it is combined daily in the kitchen jar, each month it pays for one or two days of school lunches, a family trip to a fast food place or Blockbuster Video for the "4 for $20" on the used videos for family movie night. 

10.  Sell your stuff on EBay

 When you do your spring cleaning at your home or personal business, rather than throw your stuff away, clean it up and sell it on EBay.  People will pay anything for everything.  This is where I buy my vinyl records for my record collection.  I am still looking for a working Atari game console, and i am looking to sell some neon signs I don't need anymore.  You never know what you can find or sell.  The possibilities are endless, and you usually come out ahead! 

11.  Credit Repair 

In the wake of the financial disaster that some might call their credit score, there is hope.  Credit repair does help, but only if you go with a reputable company.  You must do your homework and and interview companies who you look to do business with.  Ask the right questions, such as "How long have you been in business?"  "What is your success rate?" and "What is the method used to fix your client's credit?"  Also check with the Better Business Bureau as well.  A good credit repair company can put you back on your feet saving you money throughout the year.  Did you know that your car insurers check your credit score before deciding on your payment?  Of course, a higher score will allow you to pay less.  A higher credit score will allow you a better rate on your credit cards and Mortgage.  Get your credit where it needs to be and pay out less for your basic needs.

12.  Recycle 

My grandmother always said, "waste not, want not".  She was a young adult with a home in the depression era.  In the 70's, she taught me to save bread bags to put chicken bones in, save foil for another days use, save paper and plastic bags from the grocer to use as trash liners.  She also saved string, pencils, ribbon, christmas boxes, paper, fabric scraps, etc., and she never threw anything away until she decided she couldn't use it at least twice or more.  I knew my grandmother was wealthy.  They paid cash for their home, bought a new car every 2 years and lived off the interest of their stocks.  It puzzled me as to why she kept stuff like the foil and the plastic bags when they could always afford new, so I asked.  Her answer?  She replied, "How do you think we stay wealthy?".....  A lesson learned.