Easy Ways to Save Money

It may be a little early to start thinking about Christmas, but it's never too early to start saving money. If you're like me, come December, you're strapped for cash and wishing you had just a little more to spend on family for the holidays. Fortunately, it's still early enough this year to start saving. Here are a few easy ideas for how to save and even how to make a little extra spending cash.

Set aside a little each month.
If you have a full-time or even a part-time job, set aside $20 or so from each paycheck and keep it in a safe place. Over a year you will have set aside a whipping total of $240! That could buy something very nice for that special someone.

Collect cans.
Some states allow you to collect soda cans and bottles and deposit them for money. If this is the case in your state, you can usually redeem the money from your local grocery store. Bottles and cans lying around the garage, in the ditch, or even in your neighbors trash will do (although it may be a good idea to ask before doing the latter.) You'd be surprised how much you could accumulate over just one summer.

Start an online shop.
If you're the creative type, there is always the option of opening your own online shop. Whether it's creating button designs or t-shirts, there are plenty of web sites that make it easy to sell your merchandise. Prickie.com is always looking for button designers, and they'll pay you commission for each button you sell. Cafepress.com is a great place to start an online shop as well. You can design anything from t-shirts to mugs and be paid for every sell you make.

Write for Associated Content.
Obviously you're aware of Associated content and the compensation writers are awarded for writing well-written, informative articles. At the beginning of each week, make a list of potential article ideas and try and complete them all. Also, watch for contests. These are usually a great challenge for writers and you may have the chance to make more money.