Why does it seem that the tighter you grasp your money the faster it flits from your grip? In today’s economy, people are struggling to save every precious penny.

After wriggling through his own financial scuffles, Trent Hamm, author of the book “The Simple Dollar: How One Man Wiped Out His Debts and Achieved the Life of His Dreams,” discovered some simple tips that helped him save money.

“Each of these tactics (is a) simple little move you can make to improve your financial situation,” Hamm says on his website www.thesimpledollar.com. “Some of them take just a few minutes, others might take an hour or two… but they’re all incredibly simple – anyone can do them.”

Here are 10 of his tips that will help you keep your hard-earned money in hand.

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1. Switch to a bank that respects you. Banks and credit unions are vying for your business. It doesn’t make sense to settle on one that charges huge fees and awards minimal returns. A couple of quick calls to local banks and credit unions can give you powerful information about which institution will best benefit your family dollar.
2. Master the 30-day rule. Any time you are considering a non-essential purchase wait at least 30 days before you buy it. This gives you time to decide if you actually want to spend your money on the item or if it was simply a spontaneous desire. It will also give you time to research the best cost, brand, and style for the purchase if you feel it is really worth the investment.
3. Create a list before you go shopping and stick to it. Whether it is groceries or school clothes make a detailed list of everything you need before you leave the house. Making a list will not only protect you from impulse buying, it will also help you remember the items you need and keep you from running back to the store later on.
4. Invite friends over instead of going out. Eating out is expensive. Going to the movies or the ballet or the Jazz game is expensive too. Instead of heading out for a good time, enjoy an adventure at home. Plan a pot luck dinner or a game night. Check local community calendars like these at the Salt Lake County Library or this list for inexpensive or free events. You will cut costs and still have a great time.
5. Drink more water. Drinking water will not only save you big bucks on sodas and juices, according to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics drinking enough water will improve your overall health. From weight loss to better teeth, the benefits of drinking water are amazing, and to top it off, the liquid is nearly free.
6. Get a crock pot and use it. Crock pots are great because you can pile in the ingredients when you leave for work in the morning and come home to a delicious meal that is ready to go. You save money by not eating out and get the added benefit of food that is better for you. There are dozens of cookbooks and websites like http://www.food.com/recipes/crock-pot-slow-cooker dedicated to slow cooker recipes. Setting some aside for lunch the next day will only increase your savings.

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1. Give the gift of service. When a friend has a new baby, make up a coupon for free babysitting. When your cousin buys a new house, offer to help with yard care for a month. Service gifts are essentially free and are often more appreciated than another receiving blanket or one more scented candle.
2. Wash your hands. According to the Center for Disease Control, “Handwashing is easy to do and it's one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness in all settings.” Keep yourself healthy and cut down on cold medicines and doctor visits by simply washing your hands regularly.
3. Plan meals around your grocery store flyer. Instead of planning your meals from a cookbook, look for the deals in your grocery store’s mail flyer. Frame your dinners around the best deals in the add to get the most bang for your buck.
4. Buy generic items. When it comes to medications, crackers and shampoo the store brand is often just as good as the name brand product without the hefty price tag. Check the labels. You will find that the ingredients are often identical. Give store brands a try and you can save big over time. Simple changes in your everyday choices can create big savings. Coming up tomorrow on ksl.com: Are legitimate deals to be found at thrift stores? We examine the possible deals to be had and if they are worth your time to search out.

Melissa DeMoux is a stay-at-home mother of six young children who lives in West Valley City, Utah. You can email her at mddemoux@gmail.com or follow her adventures in motherhood at demouxfamily.blogspot.com.

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