It does not take a lot to save you just have to be smart about it. Saving can be one of the most overlooked things that is commonly overlooked for people. With all of the turmoil in the market and the downturn of the economy, many families are finding it hard to make ends meet. Here are some tips to saving when the money gets tight. You have to reassess your situation and consider creative ways to carve out some savings. The first suggestion would be to set up a budget that you can live by, meaning that you allocate money for everything in your life such as an allowance for yourself (yes adults can have these too!), utilities, grocery, mortgage, and etc. Giving yourself an allowance gives you a set amount to expect each time you get paid just like all of the other “bills” that you have to pay. Most people remember to pay their bills so why not make your allowance one of them? This gets you in the habit of setting aside some money for yourself, once you have mastered this start adding a line item for personal savings (no matter how big or small, save something). By taking this step, you are extending your buying power because you begin to rationalize whether something is a need or a want. I would much rather save than spend all of my money because at the end of the day, what do you have to show for it? Make saving something that is tangible especially when money is tight. Another smart saving tip is taking your lunch to work, which is something that everyone will tell you. Here is the catch, for everyday that you take your lunch transfer $5 into your savings account as a reward for taking your lunch. You will be surprised at how fast this accumulates and the excitement that you feel each time you make a transfer. Saving money is hard enough when you have it but it is even harder when you do not. Therefore, you have to make it exciting and fun to keep yourself committed.