Save With Dave

Save With Dave: Tips On Cutting Back In All Areas

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ― With the growing popularity of renewable energy, some financial institutions are helping their customers go green. The loans help their customers purchase solar energy systems to make their homes more efficient. Often the loans have fixed rates and can be used install or upgrade the home's systems.

When you think of saving money, you might think of skipping a vacation or postponing on home remodeling. It's not just those big expenditures that make a difference.

When you think about it, there are always a few bucks here and there you can trim down. The little things can make a big difference and could save you thousands of dollars a year.

It doesn't cost much, but it all adds up. The average cup of coffee runs at a $1.38. Get one of those fancier drinks and the price goes up from there. Need a cheaper alternative? Brew your own or take advantage of the coffee machines at work, but beware of the vending machines which can gobble up your money-- quickly.

If you were to go to a grocery store, buy it in bulk and have that little snack and put it in your office, you could save yourself $260 a year," said Patty of Consumer Credit Counseling Service.

And if you enjoy doing dinner and drinks you can save money there too by dining at a BYOB.

"You can bring your own wine or beer and really cut back on the costs," said Patty.
 
Experts say another way to save money is to write down everything you buy even if it's just a dollar on a bottle of water; this way you can see exactly where your money is going and where you can cut back.

"I mean there's less expensive ways to do everything. It takes a little planning, but if you do it, you're going to save lots of dollars," said Patty.

Cutting out that a pre-work cup of coffee and stopping those trips to the vending machine can save you about $620 a year.
 

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)