Like most people in the United States you probably work a 40 hour a week job. The job that pays your salary, pays your bills, pays for your insurance coverage, and pays for a little vacation or fun with any monies which may remain.

But is there a way to save money to, from, and while you work? You bet! There are many ways you can and should save money while you are earning a living.

Make your own coffee - Are you addicted to Starbucks? Take a moment to consider just how much that one double tall non-fat vanilla shot-in-the-dark latte costs you over time. At an average coffee cafe one commonly spends $3.75 plus tip (you do leave a tip for your Barista, don’t you?), you’re spending upwards of $5 per day, or $25 per week, for that caffeine boost at your desk or workstation. And just for consideration you actually take your two weeks vacation, plus the typical 10 days of holiday, that’s 48 weeks of work. Times $25… (let’s see, carry the one…) WOW! That’s $1,200 per year that you spend on a cup of coffee each day!

How do you save money and cut such an expense? Give up coffee. I know that’s a hard one. But by giving up coffee each day and drinking water or tea you not only save money, but also your health.

Make coffee at home and bring a thermos. You can save money by purchasing a nice flavorful French roast or other gourmet packaged roast of your choice at your grocery store. Save even more money by purchasing the 2+ pounds of ground coffee like Folgers or MJB. By purchasing your own coffee and brewing yourself you save money up to $1000 a year on your morning beverage costs.

Bring a lunch – How often do you eat out for lunch? Every day? Couple of days a week? Each time you eat out you spend up to $5 to $8 on fast food, and upwards of $15 to $20 for a restaurant meal. We’ve already calculated what coffee costs you over a year. Just think what lunch adds up to! You can save money on lunch costs.

Make your own lunch. Pack a sandwich. Bring leftovers. Each time you save money on lunch is $10 to $20 more in your pocket, or in your savings account.

Carpool/public transportation – Do you drive just yourself to work everyday? With the cost of gasoline skyrocketing and not looking back, you may be spending way too much just to get to work. Save money by finding others in or near your workplace that you can share a ride every day. Splitting commuting costs can help you save a lot of money.

Save money by joining in on public transportation. For only a couple of bucks each way you get a ride to work without the stress of driving in rush hour.

The big money saver: 401(k) – If your company offers a 401(k) IRS retirement savings benefit take advantage! You can save money directly out of your paycheck free of tax when you put it into a 401(k) retirement account. Plus, most companies offer a matching plan that will match up to 3% of your contribution. Now that’s saving money!

Your job is important to make a living. But you don’t have to go broke doing it. Be wise and learn to save money with these tips, and finding other creative ways you can save money at work.

source : http://www.moneyspud.com