6 ways to save without hardship

Saving money is often compared to dieting. People know they should count pennies like counting calories, but sometimes it can be a chore to do so -- especially when saving seems like giving up the things you like. But saving money doesn't have to mean hardship and scrimping to get by. Here are six easy ways to conserve a little here and there so it adds up in the long run.

1. Shop around for credit cards. While it's ideal to avoid financing fees entirely by paying off a card balance each statement, not everyone can do this. Instead, look for cards with the lowest interest rates and transfer higher-rate balances to that card. You'll save a few dollars here and there until the entire balance is paid off.

2. Pay yourself. Set up an automatic withdrawal from your checking account or paycheck that is placed in a savings account. Or write yourself a check every month for a set amount (maybe $100) and don't cash the checks, but deduct the amount from the checkbook tally. You'll hardly miss the saved cash and will have a substantial amount socked away for a vacation or big-ticket purchase when you need it. Saving $100 a month for 30 years can yield at least $150,129, depending on the savings account.

3. Shop sales. Take out that grocery store flier and buy whatever is on sale. Build meals around what's offered at a discount. Stick to a set list and don't stray to impulse purchases.

4. Save change. Empty your pockets of change and put it in a jar. Those silver and copper-colored coins are tangible cash -- just in smaller form. It's possible to fund vacations or other purchases on change alone. And now that some banks offer free change-counting machines, it's easier than ever to trade in loose coin for big bucks.

5. Protect your credit. Lenders look to a credit score to determine the interest rate at which they will loan you money for everything from cars to mortgages. The better your credit, the better the rate you can receive --and less money that comes out of your pocket. Pay bills on time and routinely check your credit report to ensure there are no errors or incidences of stolen identity.

6. Make your paycheck work for you. Ask your employer which items can be paid out of your salary pre-tax. Usually health insurance, 401(k) plans, flexible spending healthcare accounts, daycare benefits and the like can be withdrawn before Uncle Sam gets his cut. That means savings for you.