Are you planning on a "New Year's Resolution" to start saving more
    money in 2009?

    Like any resolution, unless some action is taken on your part, nothing will
    ever change.

    For example, if your New Year's resolution is to lose weight, you WILL
    have to change a few eating habits and/or exercise regularly. If your goal
    is to quit smoking, then you WILL need to make an honest effort to stop
    smoking.

    Key To Your Success
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    The key to making your resolution become a reality is to set a 'goal'. In
    other words, what do you want the 'extra' money for? Are you saving for a
    new car stereo system? What about a family trip to Las Vegas?

    Point is, when you have something to strive for, saving money becomes
    ten times easier. This goal is something you really want, so you will do
    what is necessary to be successful.

    Once you have a tangible goal to work toward, establish an amount you
    will need to reach. Or, how much is your 'goal' going to cost? 

    For example . . .

    A new car stereo system - $200-$700, depending on quality.
    A trip to Vegas - $350-$1800, depending on distance/hotel/gambling
    habits.

    Start off just a week at a time. Decide how much you need to save per
    week in order to reach your goal. Use these tips to help save money
    each and every week:

    Avoid Eating Out
    This may be your number one money saver depending on how often you
    dine out. Trips to restaurants and fast food 'joints' can quickly add up to
    be an expensive bill. Try and limit your outings to once a week, or better
    yet, once a month. On other days, pack a lunch or cook at home. Not only
    will you find yourself saving money, but you'll be eating healthier at the
    same time.

    Adopt The "Do I REALLY Need This" Approach
    Before you purchase ANYTHING, ask yourself if you REALLY truly need
    to have it. Whenever you are tempted to buy something, ask yourself "Do
    I REALLY NEED this new item, or do I just WANT it?" You may be
    surprised to learn that some of the purchases you make, you simply
    WANT to have and can probably get by without it (at least for now).

    Put A Limit On Entertainment Costs
    Who's to say that you need to spend $150 every time you have a night on
    the town? There are a number of activities that don't cost much like
    miniature golf, bowling, movies, picnics, camping, museums, scenic
    spots, local college sporting events, city parks, beaches/rivers/lakes, and
    the list goes on and on. Point is, be creative and have fun without
    spending all your hard earned money.

    Don't Let The Kids Have Free Money
    How often do you find your children saying 'Mom/Dad, let me have a few
    bucks!' Many of us don't mind, or sometimes we are too busy at the time
    to put up an argument. Regardless, this will cut into your savings
    potential, and delay you from achieving your GOAL. Instead of just giving
    your children money, make them earn it. Teach them the value of money
    and they will soon learn not to spend their money haphazardly since it
    does not "grow on trees".

    Stash Your Savings In A Special Place
    Don't forget to do this! You wouldn't want to spend the money that you've
    worked so hard to save. Designate a special container for your savings
    where all the extra money can be put. As they say, 'Out of sight, out of
    mind', right? Maybe even a specially designated bank account to take
    the risk of spending out of the picture.

    *NOTE*: Take extra special care in where you keep your container, and
    who you tell about it. This is your personal goal, so there is no reason the
    whole world has to know, right?

    Conclusion
    ~~~~~~~~~
    These are only a few money saving tips you can implement into your day
    to day routines. Keep in mind though, these aren't your only possibilities
    to help put some extra money in your pocket, but they are some of the
    easiest to implement into your daily life.

    Take time to reflect on your current situation. Analyze your expenses to
    see where you might be able to 'cut-back' to save more money.
    Remember, you and only you control the amount of money you save in
    2007.

    You'll find that when you set a goal that is important to you, saving money
    is really not that hard. If it is important to you, then you will make the small
    sacrifices to accomplish that goal.

    Best of luck in attaining your New Year's Money Saving Goal!