Our nation's population has been slashing expenses and working harder to manage their money as best as they possibly can to keep more money in their pockets or bank accounts.
But as a busy society chalk full of conveniences, we tend to overlook some of the common mistakes we make that cost us the most money.
Here are 7 ways we can cut monthly expenses and put more of our cash to better use.
Take a look at what you can cut out of your life and build a better budget in return.
Morning Coffee Runs Want to save close to $400 this year? Stop stopping at the convenience mart to get your java fix and start brewing your cup-o-joe at home.
Purchase sturdy, insulated mug.
Go for quality more than price on this one so you can get a long life out of your daily companion.
Many coffee makers are programmable and can be set the night before to be ready to go when you are.
Give Up the Cigs For some, nothing goes better with a cup of coffee than a cigarette.
Unfortunately, the cigarette habit can run you upwards of $1600 a year and reduce your quality of life.
If more than one smoker is in your household that figure doubles.
Seems like saving $3200 a year can be a nice investment in your future.
Pack a Lunch Lunch may not seem pricey each time you head to the local deli but it can add up to close to $3000 a year if you do it everyday.
Sure, it's good to go out and socialize with you coworkers every now and then, but every day can create a financial crisis.
Invest in a quality lunch sack that can keep your food cold and bring your leftovers from home to save big time.
Supply Your Own Snacks During that mid-afternoon slump at work, one might wander past the vending machine and suddenly become obsessed with the bag of M & M's dangling precariously close to the edge, calling your name.
With the price of convenience foods these days, it is wiser financial to bring your own snacks to the office and camouflage them in your desk.
To add a healthy aspect to your day, skip the sweets and bring fruits and veggies to snack on instead.
It will also save you money at the grocery store.
After Work Socials Many people traditionally like to unwind after a hard day at the office and choose to meet up at the local bar for a few drinks.
However, that alcohol does add up, especially with all of the new and fashionable "designer" drinks that can cost $8 bucks a glass.
Studies show that someone who purchases a beer everyday can spend up to $4000 a year.
If you are partial to those designer drinks, that figure can easily be doubled.
Pretty amazing, right? Get Pretty Yourself If you are partial to weekly manicures or touch ups at the hair salon, you can easily rack up $2000 a year.
Try getting on a schedule and seek professional assistance every six weeks or so and learn to do it yourself at home for a fraction of the price.
This way you don't have to give it up completely and still save some cash.
Build Muscle at Home Wasted memberships are a big source of money drains.
Whether it be the membership you have at the local gym or it's the membership to the Jelly of the Month Club, start looking at what you really need to survive and start canceling memberships.
Be very careful about cancellation fees.
Make sure you find out all of the details before closing out memberships.