Whether you are saving for retirement, a house, a vacation, college costs, or to pay down credit cards, there are countless ways you can begin to get yourself into a position where saving money is easier than you may think.

Set a Savings Goal Do you have a savings goal?  If not, now is the time to set one.  Start by getting a journal and writing down your savings goals.  Next, identify the small steps you need to take to get there–beginning with the goal of getting financially fit in 2012.   Solid spending tips here!   What is Your R33 - Retirement Readiness Rating?   Check out these new savings tips.   Don’t outlive your money.

Where does your money go? It may sound simple, but paying attention to where the money is going will give you more control over your finances. By increasing your awareness of what goes out of your account, you increase your sense of control over how money can and can’t slip through your fingers.     Regardless of your spending habits, there are lots of ways to Feed the Pig.   Saving for retirement?   No pain, no gain. Saving money isn't always easy, but it's the only way to achieve financial control.   Choose the right items, brands and stores to get the most for your money.

Review your insurance coverages and deductibles One way to save money is to take the time to review your insurance policies. Your insurance needs change over time, so making sure the policy reflects your current life circumstances is a good idea.  Many people have found that if they review their homeowners and auto insurances, there were ways they could save money.     Inspect your insurance coverage.   Save money on auto insurance.   Why increase an insurance deductible?   Save money on property insurance.

Discounts and Do-It-Yourself Discounts We're familiar with cutting coupons or using a discount offer here and there, but are you taking advantage of all available discounts such as union membership, college or university, military, senior citizen, warehouse clubs, etc?  Do It Yourself DIY projects are as popular as ever. Not only can it save you money, but trying things the DIY way can have rewarding results.  Of course, safety is important when performing DIY jobs as accidents can happen, if you feel confident that you can't carry out certain jobs, then seek professional advice. Everything you needed to know about discounts.   Warehouse Clubs - which is the cheapest?   Learn why credit unions deliver big savings.   DIY: Find Projects, How-tos and Experts' Advice   DIY: Visit the leading independent home improvement and repair website.

Take Action! Congratulations!  You can feel good knowing that any money you saved, or any changes you made, will help secure your financial independence. So, how much money will you save, where will you put it, and how can you make sure it stays there? Wikihow has a great article on how to set realistic goals, keep your spending in check, and get the most for your money--see How to Save Money.   February 19 - 26, 2012 If you want to save even more for your future, take a look at the impact on your take-home pay from pre-tax savings.