Most of us wish we could save a little more than we are, but where do we find those few extra dollars that will beef up our savings accounts or pay off our debt quicker? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Plan a menu for the week. You’ll be surprised at how much you’ll save, not only in money but in food wastage also. Plan a few meals a week around a low cost staple item like potatoes or rice. Use spices and dried herbs to make sure your meals are flavorful. Make sure your portion sizes are reasonable yet make enough each night to take a serving for lunch the following day.

Start a vegetable garden. Often we spend money on vegetables and herbs that end up not being used in time and go to waste. Growing your own carrots, beans, tomatoes and lettuce is easy and you pick them as you need them reducing waste and saving heaps of money.

Research your contracts – your mobile plan, your insurance plan, your pay TV plan, and your bank accounts – all of them. Chances are there is something you could be getting a better deal on. Don’t be afraid to ask, most companies will lower your rates or payments to secure your business rather than loose it altogether. Getting a slightly lower interest rate on your credit card, a savings account bonus, free mobile minutes or a lower insurance premium will make big savings for you in the long run.

Entertainment doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun. If you like reading try getting your magazines and books from the library instead of buying them only to read once. Check out the movies on free TV over the next month, plan your movie nights around the ones you want to watch instead of renting on a whim. Plan romantic meals at home, picnics in your garden or brunch in bed rather than eating out – even ordering in and doing those things is cheaper than dining in a restaurant. Saving money is important so that you don’t get into a situation where you have to look into credit restoration – so spend and save wisely.

Entertainment, contracts and food – things we spend a big slice of our wages on, so there is plenty of room to save. You just have to be creative!