While inflation has pushed the prices of most products to a sky-high level over the past decade, it has been enough to drain off the wallets of the middle-class consumers in the US. In fact, if you look back, you’ll find many inventions in the last decade that were made to help consumers save more money so that the national debt level could be brought into control.

Unfortunately, all such inventions have already been misused and irrespective of the money-saving technologies, the US has yet incurred the highest amount of national debt. With the debate over the raising of the debt ceiling hovering around the US government, it has become a necessity for all Americans to save money religiously and boost the US economy.

Though the debt relief services in America are trying their best to assist the consumers in reducing their debt burden, yet there is no such havoc response in the riding debt profile in US.

For more information on debt & credit please visit : http://www.creditmagic.org/

Tips for a fatter piggy bank this year

Have a look at the 5 sneaky money saving strategies that’ll help you secure a safe financial future.

1) Start a savings account, a high yield one

The biggest hindrance that bars you from saving money is not being into the habit of saving money. The best and the most effective way of getting into the habit of saving money, is to open a savings account with a reputable bank. As you deposit money from your salary into the savings account, you can gradually create a dedicated savings account. This is a certain way of achieving your financial goals and paying down your financial obligations as soon as possible.

2) Create a budget to restrain your expenses

Your very next step towards your money-saving endeavor would be creating a perfect, strict and frugal budget. Though it is a fact that Americans hate following a budget, yet it is a pre-requisite to leading a debt-free life. Rather than seeking help from legal debt relief services who’ll charge you hefty fees for their services, it’s better to follow a budget and keep a track on your expenses. Always try to keep a balance between what you make each month and what you spend. Make sure that every month, your income is more than your expenses.

3) Start contributing to your 401 (k) account

If your employer provides you with a 401 (k) account, make sure you contribute a portion of your gross monthly income to it. Not only is it a great way of saving money, it will also provide you tax benefits after retirement. This is the best way you can secure a safe financial future and lead a happy retired life. In case of a financial emergency, you may also withdraw money from the 401 (k) account and utilize it in meeting your emergency financial needs.

4) Reconsider your insurance coverage

You must be having your insurance policies and when you’re going through a credit crunch and are looking for ways to save money, stop to reconsider your insurance coverage. While you had taken your insurance policies, you might have been in a particular financial condition. Now, if your financial state has deteriorated, you must abort some coverage that you do not need. Review all your policies and check where you’re paying more or for no reason. Speak to your insurance lender and get that particular coverage cancelled to value your dollars.

5) Look for free stuff

If you’re an entertainment buff and you’ve misused your cards in buying tickets of concerts, you need to become a bit more responsible, now that you’re in danger. To cut down entertainment expenses, look for free shows in theatres; hunt for free events in your localities. This will help you satisfy your quest for entertainment and will also help you save your dollars at the same time.

Making minor but consistent changes in your everyday life will certainly help you boost your savings. Stop using your car, try carpooling instead. Stop eating out, make your own dinner and save those extra dollars to utilize them in paying off your financial obligations. If you think you can’t manage your debt on your own, get help from the legal debt relief services so that you do not find yourself buried in debt in 2011.

Thanks to grace for this guest post.

The ill effects of the recent recession can be felt throughout the world and consequently, people are increasingly turning to brown bagging their lunch to save money. Think about it. It makes sense. It’s rational — it’s healthier and it’s cheaper.

Now, there used to be a time when I went out each and every day for lunch when I started work. Food around my work area would cost at least $7 and could go up to about $17. That’s monthly spending of roughly $140-$350 just on lunch alone! Even spending as little as $5 per day for lunch would mean monthly spending of $100. Put it in perspective. That’s quite a hefty amount and that’s not even counting your morning and afternoon coffee and muffin breaks.

I’m an avid bodybuilder and like many others in the gym, I try to watch what I eat. That’s not to say I don’t indulge in comfort foods like chicken wings, brownies, or cake once in a while but I try to watch my portions and cut out sugar and fat whenever I can. In fact, I’ve completely substituted my normal Pepsi or Coke with its diet equivalent. It’s an acquired taste, I always say.

So, here’s a simple lunch idea that’s high in protein, low in fat, cheap, and super easy to prepare. It takes less than ten minutes of your time to prepare at night or even the morning of.

The Money Monkey’s Super Simple Tuna Salad Sandwich

Basic Ingredients

• One whole can of chunk light tuna (not flaked) @ $0.75 per can
• Two cups of light mayonnaise @ $2.99 per jar
• Two teaspoons of relish @ $1.50 per jar
• Four slices of whole wheat bread @ $1.89 per loaf
• Splenda sweetener, or sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Open can of tuna and make sure to drain the water out
2. Once water is drained, mix all ingredients in a bowl
3. Add a pack of Splenda or sugar, and salt and pepper to taste
4. Spread tuna salad mix on bread, and pack

It can’t get any simpler than that. If you get tired of the same old taste day in and day out, try substituting the tuna with hardboiled eggs for a good egg salad sandwich. Also, don’t be scared to play around with the ingredients. Add some lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or onions for color and texture. I also found out that adding sliced apples in the mix adds a good amount of sweetness and crisp.

So there you go. Tuna salad sandwiches are cheap, gym-approved, and an easy way to save money and your gut. Make your body and your bank account happy! You’ve got no excuses.