In these tough economic times when prices are rising, the boss cannot afford to give you that salary increase you so well deserve, and lay-off looms; everybody is seeking ways to ensure they aren’t left flat broke after clearing up those huge bills.

To save money in these times will take discipline, sacrifice and goals. Here I will share a few money saving tips, on how to have a little cash leftover after clearing up the bills.

Set realistic monthly savings goals:

A lot of us when working out our budgets, place high priority on our expenses and totally overlook savings. Putting away something for our savings should be equally as high a priority as our expenses are.

Make sure a realistic sum is allocated to savings monthly, and you set a goal to achieve a certain amount in savings within a set period.

Bring your lunch to work:

Instead of running to those expensive fast food restaurants during lunch hour, just take with you a home cooked meal every day. Develop a cost-effective attitude of preparing lunch from the grocery you bought.

Sometimes, park the car and take the bus, or ask a friend to pick you up:

Gas prices have skyrocketed over the past months it is extremely daunting to keep up with the prices at the pumps. It is economical to temporarily ask for a ride or take the bus. That way some of the cash you would have spent on fulling your tank could go towards savings.

Find other ways of unwinding without spending too much:

Forget being a party animal. Avoid wasting money on fancy clothes and hairdos for party.

Instead of running to parties every few days, how about planning after-work events for you and co-workers to unwind, or even invite friends over for an evening of movie and games.