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As a financial coach I am constantly trying to give clients quick wins on saving cash fast. Increasing income isn’t as quick as we want it to be. Garage sales are great for getting money fast but the effects on finances is fleeting.

In the first of our 4 part series “Financial Fitness“, recorded while on my FitDesk, here are a five ways to save money fast that last:

Cut to basic or eliminate duplication

We’ve all been told to cut the cable TV when things get tight. That is a good option but have you considered how much is wasted by having a data plan for a smart phone AND internet bundled at home with your cable bill? Three possible options for cutting back in this area:

• Cut the data plan from your smart phone and use free wi-fi areas instead
• Cut the internet at home and tether your internet through your smart phone
• Cut the TV all-together and use a digital converter

How many times have I walked into a grocery store for 2-3 items and walked out with a dozen? Oh, you too? So many people can testify that walking into a grocery store with a list saved them money instantly by keeping them on budget.

Keep a coin jar

This is a quick way for us to save money without even noticing. Simply keep a jar or jug near your closet, laundry basket, or wherever you get out of your day clothes and toss in all of your loose change. This is one way we save for vacations and other savings goals – you’d be surprised how much 2 lbs of assorted change can turn into at the bank!

Auto-deposit

Making deposits automatically from your paycheck has become so commonplace that most people forget that they are saving money. Just like putting money into a 401k, you can start shoveling cash into a savings account without batting an eye. Imagine having $50 repeatedly rifled into the savings account at your bank every payday. You would have over $1,000 by Christmas!

Adjust tax withholding

If you get large tax refunds then stop it now and get debt reducing cash home fast! There is no point in leaving money in the government’s coffers when you could be using it to pay off 18.99% credit card debt or even a 4.99% car loan. Instant savings right there buddy!