Saving Money 

I wouldn't call saving money painless, since you have to work to get the best prices by shopping around, but if you DO check out several sources, you can save.

Start with your bank.Checking account fees can vary greatly between banks. You can save money on fees by choosing an account with a low minimum balance requirement that you can meet. For instance, if you know you can keep a minimum of $300 in your checking account, and you don't let your balance get lower than that for the month, the bank won't charge a fee for that month. Also, some banks will waive the monthly fee if you have your paycheck deposited directly into your account.

Savings Accounts. Is your account insured by the Federal government? Some banks do NOT insure savings accounts. Just ask your bank or credit union if they are FDIC or NCUA insured. Certificates of Deposit (CDs) will earn you a higher rate of return than a basic savings account. Compare rates and fees from bank to bank to get the highest percentage possible.

Automatic Transfers. Banks and credit unions will let you set up an automatic monthly transfer from your checking account to your savings account. Just remember to subtract it from your checking account balance each month!

Credit Cards.Credit Cards are Evil! Use one, and only one, just to establish a credit history. Always pay it off in full each month. Credit Card interest rates are outrageous! If you already have credit card debt, pay it off as soon as you can. It's the best possible investment you can make.

• Mortgage Money-Savers
• Saving on Electricity
• Cutting Water Expenses
• Saving Money on Car Maintenance Costs
• Save on Insurance