CBS 2 Offers You 12 Ways To Save Money In 2012

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - In these difficult economic times, it's more important than ever to stretch your income.

CBS 2's Emily Smith has come up with a list of tips and tricks you can use to get more bang for your buck. These are simple steps anybody can use to save a couple of dollars here and there - but you'd be surprised how quickly those dollars add up.

1) Skip Starbucks - If you're one of the many people who needs coffee to get going, one the easiest things you can do to save money is make it yourself, or drink the office java. Granted, you'll have to say goodbye to your Venti Lattes and the like, but you'll save big bucks while doing so. Three lattes a week can cost $9... that's $468 a year.

2) Plan Your ATM Trips - Stop paying $2.50 in fees many banks charge for using somebody else's ATM. You can even get charged twice - once by the other bank, and once by your own. Stick with the ATMs that are part of your bank - and plan your budget so you're withdrawing the cash you need when you need it.

3) Try A Focus Group - Everybody has an opinion. By participating in a focus group, you can be paid for yours. If you join outfits like focusgroups.com,  you could get paid $50 a pop to take online questionnaires.

4) Pay Cash - All too often, when you plunk down a credit card, you may not appreciate the real cost of the object you're getting with a mere swipe and a signature. Forking over cold hard cash forces you to confront the cost head-on. You'll spend less, plus rack up fewer interest charges and other fees.

5) Unplug It - Cell phones need charging, and most people leave those chargers plugged in. Most devices like chargers - and other appliances - leech a little energy while they're plugged in, even if they're switched off. If you're not using it, unplug it - especially appliances with clock displays. You'll save some dough.

6) Go to the library - The library is free and easy to join. You can apply for a New York Public Library card online by clicking here. Not only will joining the library get you access to books, but you can also use it to rent DVDs, CDs, magazines and e-books as well.

7) Brown Bag It - Another common sense solution that'll save you dollars and cents. Bringing lunch to work is a sure-fire way to save dough. And while you're at it, limit your ordering out. Cooking at home is the least expensive way to eat well, and cheap.

8) Manicures - Just because you're frugal doesn't mean you can't pamper yourself. But if you do choose to get a manicure, buy the polish and apply it yourself every other week.

9) Temporarily Suspend Cable - This one's tough for us as TV station to recommend, but if you're one of those folks who is a die-hard fan of a certain show, and that show is between seasons, consider suspending the cable service until it comes back. You could save hundreds of dollars. Lots of programs are available online via services like TV.com, Hulu and more. You can also get plenty of great content from services like Netflix or products like a Roku box and save money to boot.

10) Be Choosy About Gas Stations - If you've been behind the wheel, you know the deal: Rival stations right across the street. Sometimes they're charging the same price, sometimes they're in a price war, and sometimes, the best deal can be found right around the corner from your usual spot.

11) Don't Buy Magazines Or Papers - Not only are many of them available for free at the library, but most have websites where you can read what you want free of charge.

12) Save Your Receipts - Ever pick up a shirt or pair of pants only to find that a week later they're on sale? Plenty of large retailers like the Gap and Banana Republic will refund you the difference in the price, if the sale starts within a certain time of your purchase. The practice varies from store to store, so save your receipts.

Got any other practical money saving tips? Tell us about them in the comments section below.