Easy Ways to Save $10 a Day

Illustration by Tim Bower

By David Bach, September & October 2005

Make your coffee at home—or drink the free stuff at work.
Pack your lunch, as well as any midday snacks.
If you drive to work, carpool with a colleague or take public transportation.
Avoid ATM fees by planning ahead and using the machines at your bank.
Cut back on dining out—when you do, go for the "early-bird specials."
Stop smoking—a pack of cigarettes costs about $7.
Catch a matinee instead of paying full price for a movie. (Or rent a video.)
Stop playing the lottery. (One woman I know spent $9 a week on lottery tickets. In 10 years, she had spent $8,640 but had only won back about $200.)
Get a "wet cut." Most salons charge about $10 to blow-dry your hair—so go home and dry it yourself.
Plan your meals for the week, and then shop once. (Oh yeah, and try to stick with the list.)