Think you could never afford to save anything because of your tight budget? Interesting enough, most people who save money on a regular basis are those who are already on a limited budget. Follow these simple guidelines to increase your savings and your peace of mind.

Stop Spending Your Change

Save it in a jar and at the end of the month exchange it in a coin-counting machine. Most of them charge eights cents for every dollar they change, but it's still worth it. Most people make at least $30 of change in any given month.  

Save A Dollar a Day

Most of us waste several dollars every single day on purchases that don't do anything for us. Cut one pack of gum or a cup of coffee and put that dollar away. At the end of the month, you're $30 richer.

Take It From Your Paycheck

Have money directly deposited from your paycheck into a savings account. Most companies can do this for you, or you can ask your bank to do it automatically every time a check clears. Even if you only take $20 a month, the numbers add up.

Cut One Bad Habit From Your Life

If you smoke, that would be the one to give up, but if you don't, think of other bad habits that are money-wasters. Do you visit the vending machine on a daily basis? Do you buy overpriced bread at the corner grocery store because you're too lazy to walk an extra block to the supermarket? Rethink your habits to see how much you're throwing away every day. You'll save at least a few dollars every week.

Eat Smart

Having a busy life it's no excuse for wasting money on food. Choose buffets over cafes and diners over restaurants. Buy frozen food if you know you run the risk of letting fresh fruits and vegetables go to waste in your refrigerator. Otherwise, fresh food is healthier and cheaper. Brown-bag your lunch and take your own bottle of water (fill it out with water filtered at home). Buy large packages of nuts or raisins and divide them into small portions for afternoon snacks. You can save up to $5 a day by bringing your own lunch to work.

Shop Smart

Take advantage of sales. Everything goes on sale at some point during the year. Shop for summer clothes in September and for back-to-school supplies the week after school starts (savings can add up to 80 percent). Buy toys during after-Christmas sales. Air conditioners and bicycles are cheaper in September and October. Stock up on gifts and you will never have to spend a fortune on a last-minute present. Save by the hundreds.