If your employer offers direct deposit – sign up! You’ll save on trips to the credit union and eliminate the chance of your check being lost or stolen.

Consider a home equity loan to consolidate debt. The rates on this secured loan are usually lower and the interest may be tax deductible.

Hold a garage sale. You’ll clean out your closets and pocket some cash at the same time.

Use fluorescent bulbs in lighting fixtures that stay on for long periods of time. They produce four times as much light per watt as incandescent bulbs and last 10 times as long.

Cut back on cigarette smoking and soda drinking. Put the money you’re saving in a savings account. You’ll be surprised at the amount you save.

Department store credit cards rarely charge under 18% APR. Consider transferring those balances to low interest credit cards.