Chances are you are overworked and underpaid. This is typical of someone starting off in the workforce, and don’t worry, things will get better. But don’t just think long run: think now! There are many small things that you can do to make yourself better off financially right away, and they don’t require large life changes at all. Among other tips found on this website, you can start with the first part of your everyday routine: coffee.

It seems like on every other block there is a Starbucks, a Peet’s Coffee, a Dunkin Donuts, or some local flavor of gourmet coffee shop. Most people make it a habit of starting their days off in these places, picking up a tasty, yet overpriced Latte or some other hot drink. It usually costs around two dollars and some change, and unless you are in the Bank of America Spare Change program (see article), that change will probably go to waste. Why spend 3 dollars when you could easily make that drink at home, or at the office? All offices provide free coffee, but if you can’t stand to make your morning commute without caffeine, you can buy a very affordable coffee maker at your local department store. Stop at your favorite coffee shop on the way home, and pick up a pound or two if you really insist on their flavors, but you can find cheaper coffee in other places.

If you make this simple change, the three dollars you would spend every day amounts to 750 dollars of savings annually! Think of that number as a percentage of your pay, its incredible! Now you can put this money in your pocket to use it for something more worthwhile, while you can still get coffee every morning.

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10. Cell phone. Examine your bill today and cut out any unused features. Even if it only saves $1 a month, it will get you in a good habit of saving.
9. Electricity. Shut off lights and computers when you’re not in a room.
8. Food. Eat less. If you eat first thing in the morning, and don’t eat past 7, you’ll have more control of your appetitie.
7. Gasoline. Drive less. See our post on spending less on gas.
6. Depreciating assets. Buy as few as you can. These include cars, electronics, etc.
5. Insurance. Compare plans, there may be some you can do without.
4. Credit and debit cards. Ditch them. Study after study shows most people spend 5-15% more per day than people that rely on just cash. Those 2% cash back offers don’t sound so good now, do they?
3. Expensive housing. Live outside the city instead. Get some more roommates.
2. Loans. Always try to consolidate your loans into new ones with lower interest rates.
1. Everything. Try doing without as much as you can. You’ll realize that so much of what you think is a necessity isn’t really at all.

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10. Get over your fears and start taking public buses.
9. Use trains and subways more often.
8. Spend more time with nearby friends.
7. Do more online–pay bills, shop, work.
6. Get a bike. Used ones work great.
5. Walk instead of drive.
4. Carpool. More fun to travel with people.
3. Buy a more fuel efficient car.
2. Sell your car. Use ZipCar instead.
1. Vote for politicians that will actually do something substantial to decrease our dependence on fossil fuel.

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