Start small, think smart when looking for ways to save

Finding money to save for an emergency can be a challenge. But even if you work with a tight budget, you can start out by saving even a mere $10 a month. Something is better than nothing. Once you see your savings start to accumulate, you'll be motivated to look for more ways to cut back. All it takes is determination and creativity.

Here are a few ideas.

• Flexitarianism (semi-vegetarianism): Serve a meatless meal once a week or more. Go to your local library or search online for veggie meals that you can try. Summer is the perfect time to experiment because lighter meals are most appealing during hot weather.

• Coupons: Clip some coupons, and aim to save a minimum of $10 that month.

• Learn: Whether through a class, volunteering, reading or working part time, learn skills that can help you save money, such as sewing, gardening and cooking, to name a few.

One reader, Stacey in Pennsylvania, adds: "I worked the holiday season in a department-store gift-wrap department, which gave me the skills to wrap beautiful gifts for others. I also took a continuing-education class in gift-basket design. I'm now skilled to the point that when I give a gift, even if handmade, it's comparable to anything you would buy in a high-end store. I can give very frugal gifts where the perceived value is much greater than what it actually is due to my design and wrapping skills."

• Hair: Delay your regular hair appointment by one week, opt for no blow-dry and style, or color your own hair at home.

• Entertainment: Exchange your regular entertainment for four weeks of library materials. You can borrow, volunteer, and meet new people or attend free community events.

Better yet, challenge yourself to stay home and enjoy your own backyard. Work on a long-neglected outdoor project or simply relax. Being outdoors means you're using less energy indoors, too.

• Pack a lunch: Bring your lunch to work or pack a snack, and beverage when out running errands.

Ritabelle in Texas shares: "I keep a couple of packages of cheap Ramen noodles and bags of popcorn in my desk for those days I run out of the house without my lunch. It saves me at least $10 every time I don't go out for lunch!"

• Sell: Declutter and have a garage sale or list items on eBay.com.

• Kick a habit: Refrain from indulgences such as sugary snacks or habits such as drinking, smoking or playing the lottery. Even cutting back will help.

• Be honest: When there's pressure to attend a party, lunch or social event, let people know if you can't fit it into your budget.

Community moderator Amy B. in New Jersey shares: "I recently told some of my best friends in the entire world that I couldn't afford to go out to lunch with them (even though I haven't seen them in six months) because the restaurant they chose was too expensive for me.

What did they do? (My friends all make bundles of money and have extra to burn.) They chose a less expensive place and offered to pay for me. I didn't let them pay for me, but I could afford the cheaper place and was pleased that they were willing to make the change.

You'd be surprised what happens when you are honest with people. In the end, people really don't care how much money you have; it's your company they want. And if plans can't be changed, oh well, better to sit it out than sit in debt."

• Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (frugalvillage.com), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. Send tips, comments or questions to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or sara@frugalvillage.com.