Host a potluck dinner and ask everyone to bring clothes they do not want or don't fit anymore. Donate the clothes no one claims to a local charity. It's a great way to clean out your closet and spend time with friends without unloading a lot of cash.

- Maura P.

Take a toddler with you shopping.  You are guaranteed to only spend enough time to buy what you absolutely need, and will return home as soon as possible.

- Walicia C.

I established a home maintenance account with a designated amount sent by direct deposit each pay day.  When I need to complete a repair or an improvement, I have the funds available.

- John W.

I use Sunday's paper coupons and other store coupons I get. At the end of each week, I review all of my receipts during my lunch hour and record the total amount saved. At the end of each month, I put that month's total in my child's college savings account.  I also do the same for any manufacturer's rebate I send in.  It does add up and takes only a few minutes. 

As of August, I had put $183 in the account.

Also since the money is deposited in the Virginia College Savings Trust, it ensures that I cannot take the money out for just any reason and I also get to deduct it from my taxes each year, which increases the amount of my refund. 

- Ruth D.
 

Cook dinner at home and take leftovers to work the next day.

- Oula S.

Save your loose change in a jar for 3 months; everyday empty your pockets, purse etc. At the end of 3 months take the $50 - 70 (all of the change in the jar) to the credit union and open an account. Continue to save your change and add to your savings acount every quarter and watch your money grow.

- Mary C.
 

With direct deposit, I have money automatically deposited into my regular savings and my Christmas club.  You don't miss what you don't see and before you know it, you have quite a balance built up!

- Theresa S.

We use one that comes with gift card rewards.  So we buy gas with it, pay it off each month and accumulate reward dollars.  By the end of the year we typically have hundreds of dollars in reward gift cards.  We cash those in and are able to give Christmas presents at no cost!

- Samantha P.

Go to a web site like chegg.com and rent your textbooks instead of buying them.  It's cheaper!

- Sonia B.

In addition to having 2 accounts, 1 for regular bills & 1 for others, I have as many bills as possible paid automatically. We have 9 paid by VACU. This is a time saver, money saver & a huge security blanket for anyone who is needed out of town frequently & suddenly.

- Janice B.

Moderator's comment: It's easier than ever to get started using Online Banking and Bill Pay. Just click on the "Enroll" link in the Online Banking Logon box on our home page (under the VACU logo).

Commit to fighting the temptation of spending money on items that aren't needed; and make your savings account grow by depositing something (no matter how small) every paycheck.

- Crystal R.

Moderator's comment: Consider downloading and signing your own personal Save Smart Pledge.

If you're shopping for a new vehicle, set up a new savings account for 'New Car Payment', then begin making your monthly payments to that account before your purchase.
- Renee M. 
   

I do my budget every month and project a certain amount for my utilities, like power, at the highest the bill has been. I put the left over amount in savings or use that money in my fuel account.

- Virginia F.

When making any loan payments directly thru the credit union, round it up on a bi-monthly cycle. All the extra goes toward the principal and you pay less interest and pay it off sooner. The credit union does it for you.

- Rhonda L.

Place a little money each pay day in a Christmas Club account. The money you have saved will help a lot when you are doing your holiday shopping.

- Tammie A.

We pay our real estate taxes, car insurance and homeowners insurance by the year but that bill can be large.  What we do is add all these fees together and divide by 12.  I subtract it from my register every month, and then when the bill comes it is easily paid since the money is there.
- Peggy C.

When you catch an item at a super price, stock up.  Buying chicken or beef on sale then seperating it at home and stocking it in the freezer is a good way to save big money and eat well in the coming weeks!

- Bill C.

Ask the kids to check the car, under beds, in their rooms and sofa cushions for loose change and tell them that all of the money they find will go into a fund for the holidays or vacation. Plus, always look on the ground; there are lots of pennies out there that people overlook because they think it's 'just a penny'!

- Viola P.

When I go to the movies or out to a restaurant, I always order complimentary water.  It's better for you than sugary soda and it saves money. Just be sure the server doesn't mistake the water you order for bottled water. 

- Sam C.

Using direct deposit into your savings account is an excellent way to save.  You are more apt to save with direct deposit than putting money in later.  The money can really add up.  I put money each paycheck into my savings account and also set up accounts for both of my children. 

- Valerie G.

Pay yourself first when you get paid, another way is everytime you use your debit card, charge yourself a $1 and put it in your savings account. It all adds up!

- Susan K.

Always buy the Sunday paper and cllip the coupons

- Evelyn H.

We have a gift closet in our house that where we store presents that we have bought on sale throughout the year.  It really helps to save money with all of the birthday parties the children go to.

- Lori S.

Have a family game night instead of taking everyone out.  The kids can help make a pizza and then they pick their favorite board game to play.  Not only do you save money but you get to make memories!

- Kathleen M.

If you have direct deposit for your payroll account, set it up to have a certain percentage taken out to deposit into your savings account during your pay period.  You will not miss the money because you won't see it at hand. 

- Akua A.

Don't stick to one store for groceries and pharmaceuticals.  We buy cat litter and cat food at one store and baby diapers and other staples somewhere else because the prices are not equal for certain items such as cat litter, baby shampoo, etc.  Shop smart!

- Cari C.

Once you pay off a bill, continue to put that amount paid in your savings account instead. You'll be pleased at your balance in a couple of months!

- Donna B.

Save your change every time that you break a dollar, put the change in your purse and refuse to spend it. When you get home always take the change out of your purse and put it in a jar or shoebox.  The savings at the end of the year will be amazing.

- Flora S.

Review your current cell phone plan for you and your family. See if you need all of the extras.  See where you can trim the fat, discipline yourself to stick within alotted minutes and texts, and pay bills on-time.  I saved an extra $25 a month by doing this.

- Tarisha W.