Sometimes it make sense to make some lifestyle changes in order to free up cash flow to build savings and get rid of debt. Especially with the economy in it’s current state, these days most people would welcome the idea of having more money in their savings account. Here are a few ideas that can help make that possible. And the best part is…you’ll hardly feel it!

Bring Your Lunch to Work – Most people spend $6 (or more) when they buy their lunch, yet spend $2 when they pack it themselves. That’s a potential savings of $20 a week or $1,040 dollars a year.

Durable over Disposable – Using products like Handi-Wipes (semi-disposable rags) as opposed to paper towels, and a rechargeable razor rather than the disposable kind, can save about $200 per year.

Hold an Annual Yard Sale – You should have no problem making at least a hundred bucks. Besides, you’ll get rid of all that household clutter in the process. Whatever you don’t sell can be donated to charity and used as a tax write-off.

Ask for Discounts – From buying airline tickets to paying a medical bill, always ask if there’s a discount to be had. The worst that can happen is you’ll be told no.

Get a Library Card – As opposed to buying a book for $20 or renting a DVD for $4, get it for free. If you average 3 movie rentals a month, you’ll save yourself over $140 a year.

Watch Those Utilities – Changing over to energy-saving light bulbs and low-flow showerheads is a great start. Also, most utility companies offer a home audit you can complete online. If not, go to http://hes.lbl.gov for a virtual inspection of your home. You may be surprised to learn how much energy (and money) you could be saving.

The good news is that suggestions like these are merely a start. Taking the time to discover inefficient habits in your household and making a few minor adjustments can lead to more savings opportunities than you may realize! And that’s great news, both today and in every kind of economy!