Everyone needs money for one thing or another, and even if we don’t particularly need it now, we could still do with some. It is best to start saving every little bit you can to have your own savings to fall back on when trouble comes calling. There are many simple money saving secrets that may never have occurred to you. Here are five simple secrets to develop successful saving habits.

1. It is cheaper to do dishes in the dishwasher rather than by hand. The trick is to load up the washer fully before you turn it on and also turn off the dryer function. You will save on your electricity bill and reduce carbon emissions to save the environment.

2. Recycle and return and this will put money back in your pocket. Small amounts no doubt, but still money. Every little bit you save has to go straight into your savings account. This should be done on a weekly basis so before you even have time to think about the extra money.

3. If you feel it is absolutely necessary to have a credit card then learn to use it wisely. Your plastic should only come out in an absolute emergency and if you have your own savings you are not going to need to pay by credit card. Emergencies by the way do not include shopping at the year end sales or buying stuff you don’t need.

4. It is common knowledge that habits like smoking, drinking or gambling among other things can break the bank. If you can find it in you to stop, you will be making a huge contribution to your savings. A few beers on the weekend does not really count; one needs some joy in life!

5. Be on the watch for coupons and other discount schemes that you can use when you go grocery shopping. You need to mail in those rebates rather than putting it off. These little things all add up to money in your account.

Don’t scrimp and save to such an extent that you take the joy completely out of your life. You need to have a balanced view towards spending and saving. You have to be firm enough to resist buying stuff you don’t need or cannot afford. At the same time there’s plenty of fun to be had and it does not have to be very expensive.