Give March A 'Credit Freeze'(01 of26)
Open Image ModalIf you have a habit of overusing your credit card every month, or have a tendency to use multiple cards, freeze one for the month of March. You will be less likely to make mindless purchases and at the same time, you can use your income to pay off debt sitting in your account. (credit:BernardaSv via Getty Images)
Find Free Classes (02 of26)
Open Image ModalTons of gyms, yoga classes and other type of fitness/dance studios offer free trials of their classes for interested customers. We suggest hitting up a few free ones throughout the city or buying a gym membership that provides free weekly classes to cut costs. (credit:Jamie Grill via Getty Images)
Long Live The Coupon (03 of26)
Open Image ModalCouponing isn't just for those overly frugal people on reality television shows. A great way to save at the grocery store is grabbing a flyer of coupons before you start shopping or bringing them with you from home. We're also fans of price matching — tedious, but it gets the job done. (credit:svengine via Getty Images)
Cut Back On Groceries With Your Phone(04 of26)
Open Image ModalStock Up On Free Condiments(05 of26)
Open Image ModalYes, this sounds a little over-the-top, but this is a great way to keep condiments like ketchup, mustard, and soy sauce available at the office. (credit:Nick M Do via Getty Images)
Celebrate Events By Staying In (06 of26)
Open Image ModalWe may be inclined to go out for birthday parties, anniversaries or reunions, but this month, try hosting some of these occasions in your home. Cook up a meal for two if you're celebrating your marriage or call the girls over for pizza and more pizza for ladies' night. (credit:StudioThreeDots via Getty Images)
Cancel Cable (07 of26)
Open Image ModalSeriously, when was the last time you actually spent a night watching your favourite television shows on TV? Instead of committing to a cable service you barely use, switch to an online streaming service like Crave TV or Netflix for less than half the cost. And on top of that, most programs post their episodes online, anyway. (credit:sharpshutter via Getty Images)
Eat Down Your Cupboard (08 of26)
Open Image ModalHere's a fun idea: Instead of going out for groceries any time you are low on something, start looking at your pantry and eat your way down. Cook that pasta you've been avoiding or make use of that sauce that is about to expire. To make things more fun, have a party by inviting your friends over with some of their pantry foods. (credit:Fuse via Getty Images)
Spring Clean Your Wallet (09 of26)
Open Image ModalChances are, your wallet is a mess and because of it, you end up using any credit card to pay for your goods. In order to save cash, only keep the cards you need. If you have a messy wallet, you may also be likely to miss out on your points or rewards any time you go into a store — because you simply can't find it. (credit:Victor Burnside via Getty Images)
Give Luxury Items The Boot (10 of26)
Open Image ModalInstead of throwing away or giving away your fine luxury goods — purses, jackets, shoes, etc. — check out a consignment store in your neighbourhood that will actually pay better than most online ads. (credit:Don_Pomidor via Getty Images)
Your Community Probably Has Free Events (11 of26)
Open Image ModalWe often spend money on weekends to go out or see friends, but in March, check out your city's tourism guide to see if you can catch any free events. (credit:Jupiterimages via Getty Images)
Use Transit — Just Do It(12 of26)
Open Image ModalIf you're used to driving your car to work or to run any errands, try using public transit at least once a week in March to cut down on the cost of gas. (credit:Peter Cade via Getty Images)
Shop With $100 Bills (13 of26)
Open Image ModalNow, this may only work for some of you, but experts say people who keep larger bills (like a $100 bill) in their wallets are less likely to spend it on useless stuff. (credit:daoleduc via Getty Images)
Clean Out The Garage (14 of26)
Open Image ModalSince March is officially the month spring starts, spring clean your garage, basement or shed and see if you can post any winter goods for sale online. (credit:trekandshoot via Getty Images)
NEXT: Best Savings Tips For Millennials(15 of26)
Open Image ModalGet Your Finances In Order (16 of26)
Open Image ModalSometimes, saving more money just means investing your money into the right places. In the month before tax season, talk to your financial adviser to get your accounts organized, and set goals for a big reward this year — like a vacation. (credit:AnthonyRosenberg via Getty Images)
Deal With Debt First (17 of26)
Open Image ModalYou may feel like saving is impossible with that huge pile of debt sitting on your back, but unless you take care of it first, you won't be able to plan out a clear financial future. "High debt levels will slow down your saving and investing abilities when you start working, so do everything you can do to stay out of debt," says author and financial coach David Campbell Lester. Obviously, this situation isn't ideal for everyone — especially students who take loans during the school year and don't find full-time work right away. Once you graduate, talk to a financial planner to figure out how much you should save each month, and if you're a student, talk to your school's career centre for part-time work or look for grants or scholarships. (credit:AndreyPopov via Getty Images)
Get A Money Mentor (18 of26)
Open Image ModalThis can either be someone who works at your bank or someone you know who is really good with their money. Meet with your mentor once a month and discuss your challenges and successes thus far in terms of your career and finances, Lester says. And although it may be a little embarrassing to share your savings and debt numbers with someone you know, remember, we've all been there at one point. (credit:LDProd via Getty Images)
Get A Part-Time Job That Will Benefit Your Skills (19 of26)
Open Image Modal"When in school, get a part-time job that will complement your career when you graduate, and give you cash to keep out of debt," Lester says. Although getting part-time work can be tough during the school year, try looking at jobs on campus that can work around your schedule, and give you more skills in your preferred field. (credit:David Lees via Getty Images)
Build Credit (20 of26)
Open Image ModalIf you love your credit card and treat it like a best friend, make sure you're using it for the right things."Build credit by paying your mobile, cable, internet, and other fixed costs on your credit card and then pre-authorize a full payment at the end of the month," he says. Don't make of habit of paying for everything on credit — especially if you can't pay it off. Also, when you are looking for a credit card, choose one (or two) that will benefit you with either points or a cash back feature. Credit can be your friend, as long as you don't create a hole of debt. (credit:Wavebreakmedia Ltd via Getty Images)
Use Cash And Debit For Everything Else (21 of26)
Open Image ModalIf you know you have $100 a week to spend on food, coffee, entertainment, etc. then leave that amount in a "spending account," or take it out in cash every Sunday, Lester says. If you are the type of person who is more likely to spend cash if they see it in their wallet, start with a small amount, like $20 to $40 per week. (credit:Vstock via Getty Images)
Implement A Financially-Free Weekday (22 of26)
Open Image ModalMake your own coffee that day, pack your lunch, stay in and watch Netflix, and make your own dinner. Start this challenge by bringing your lunch every day, for example. Turn it up a notch by implementing financial-free weekdays at least three times a week. "Going out only once a week will save you a ton of money," Lester says. (credit:Adam Gault via Getty Images)
Save 10 to 20 Per Cent Of Everyday Dollars(23 of26)
Open Image ModalHave your bank transfer 10 to 20 per cent of your paycheque into a savings account every time it goes in. Over time, it will grow and you won't even miss the amount. If you're worried about spending it, try opening up a separate bank account without any fees or invest in a TSFA. Remember, once you get comfortable, you can move up the percentage. (credit:JGI/Jamie Grill via Getty Images)
Think Property (24 of26)
Open Image ModalLooking into the future, start thinking about investing in property. "Real estate has gone up in the long run and there isn't a single better investment for retirement than a home that is paid for," Lester says. Although this may seem out of reach for most millennials, start saving early by putting away a certain amount of money each month for a condo or house, live with roommates to decrease your own rent costs, and keep an eye out for new buildings or units in your area. (credit:Dana Tezarr via Getty Images)
Learn How To Invest (25 of26)
Open Image Modal"I know it seems boring, but once you have a portfolio of investments pumping money into your account, you'll see it as fun too," Lester says. Join an investing group, watch the news for the latest numbers or pick up some investing books from the library. (credit:carlp778 via Getty Images)
Know Your Net Worth (26 of26)
Open Image ModalTake a minute to actually figure out where your money is, including how much money you have in each account, money you owe and money you have invested, if any. "You don't have to cut out expensive coffees, shop with coupons, and live like a hermit to be a money champ. Spend less than you make and save 10 to 20 per cent for your future," Lester says. If your net worth is increasing year after year, you're on the right track. (credit:sjenner13 via Getty Images)