Ok, no one likes to hear this, but have you ever thought about how much money you (or your spouse) spends on designer coffee in a year’s time? Odds are the actual number would send you reeling, and if your bank tracks spending the way it should, finding the number is easy.

Cutting out designer coffee is just one way that simplifying your life can lead to huge annual savings in the new year. Here are a few other tips:

Basically, the key is living below your means. This doesn’t mean cutting out ALL luxuries - it just means picking and choosing your pleasures. Not only will you appreciate it more when, say, you dine out, but you will rake in the savings as well!

Another great way to cut costs is to downsize where you live. Not only will this save on your mortgage, but it will positively affect the amount of time you spend cleaning and maintaining your home, and it will also cut into your heating and cooling bills.

If at all possible, try to work from home - even doing this part time will save you oodles on gas money, lunch money, clothing, time and car maintenance.

A surprising way to save is to get in shape. This will cut into your medical, pharmaceutical, food and life insurance costs, and will make you happier overall! Just make sure you don’t go crazy and spend a bundle trying to lose weight - it’s really unnecessary and there’s no substitute for simply DOING it!