In today’s economy, every dollar counts. Yet you’d be surprised how much money we waste on a weekly basis. Read on to find some practical saving tips to help you keep more of the money you earn with little effort. They might seem obvious — and really, they are. But we don’t always do them!

1. Pay your bills on time. Companies will tack on a late fee of up to $30 if you miss your due date. Avoid these extra charges by setting up automatic payments, either directly through the company or via an online bill pay service, such as Checkfree. With a little planning, there’s no reason to waste your money on late fees.
2. Avoid ATM fees. Here’s another pointless fee that you should never pay. Find out about your bank’s fee structure. Use only ATMs where your bank won’t charge a withdrawal fee, or get your cash directly from the bank. Exception: these are hard to avoid when you’re out of town and need some cash.
3. Use the Library. I’m always surprised at how many people don’t take advantage of their local library. I must admit that I’m a reformed book buyer. I used to only buy books new because I liked the way they looked lined up on a shelf. Crazy, I know! Once you realize that books are only for reading, you’ll be OK with borrowing.
4. Drink from the tap. I touched on this when I talked about having a green summer. With millions of government dollars spent to keep our water clean and safe, why are wasting our own money on the same thing? Buy a filter if you don’t quite like the taste. Skipping the bottled water is an easy way to save money, and you won’t have to lug those heavy cases!
5. Go to matinees. If you like going to the movies, consider going a little earlier. Tickets before and after 6:00 P.M. can differ by as much as $3.00 or more. For a family, the difference can really add up.

Do you have any smart tips for easy ways to save? Share them here in the comments!

Photo courtesy of MoneyBlogNewz.