Ten Ways to Save Money Right Now

1. Plan errands to save gas. Save all errands for one day, make a list, and do them all, one right after another. Avoid backtracking, and be sure to stop at the discount warehouse for gas on your way back!

2. Prepay transit to get discounts. In New York, San Francisco, and other big cities, you can save on your daily commute by buying a monthly pass instead of paying per ride. If you take the bus or subway several times per day, this savings really adds up!

3. Good Driver Discounts. Ask your car insurance company for good driver discounts. If you haven't gotten a ticket or been in an accident in the past year, you might be eligible for this. Most insurance companies have this discount, but they don't take it automatically-you have to ask!

4. Join a membership warehouse. Costco and Sam's club offer great deals. Join with a friend, and share the benefits! Membership warehouses offer great discounts on gas, auto service like oil changes, and even auto sales! When you sign up, be sure to ask for a full list of benefits available to members.

5. Buy a certified pre-owned car. Wait two years after the car comes out, and you've triumphed over the "depreciation blues" of a brand new car. Let's face it-some people will buy a new car every year because they want to be cool, then turn it in. With many dealerships now offering "certified pre owned" status on those types of cars, complete with warrantee and free service, you win all around! Call or visit your local dealership.

6. Get a hybrid. Yes, they ARE still a little weird looking, but if you drive a lot, you owe it to yourself to trade in your car for a car that uses hybrid technology, like a Honda Civic Hybrid or a Toyota Prius. Not only can you fill up for $20 a pop (unlike the rest of the world), but you also get to drive in the carpool lane, you get a tax break ($3,000 as of 2006), AND you're saving the planet. Better still-get a hybrid that's a couple of years old, and save yourself the "new car" tax. http://www.craigslist.com for listings in your area.

7. Sign up for coupons, save money on a daily basis! http://bit.ly/chviIY

8. Say Yes to Free Money! Sign up for savings matching. American Express, and now Bank of America (http://www.bofa.com) are now offering programs where they'll match whatever you put into your savings, up to a certain amount. Hey, anytime someone offers you free money for something you're doing anyway, TAKE IT!

9. Sign up for direct deposit. Banks will often wave all of your account fees if you have your paycheck direct deposited. Ask at your bank, or switch to a bank you know offers direct deposit, like Bank of America (http://www.bofa.com) or Chase Bank (http://www.chase.com).

10. Save on fees-- consolidate bank accounts/ retirement plans. Some banks and brokerages will offer you great rates and deals if you keep all of your money at one place. Consolidating will also mean you're more likely to qualify for things like discounts on fees and mortgages in the future! Streamline to save money!