One of the most common new years resolutions is to save more money. It always helps, both practically and for peace of mind, to have a nice chunk of change in the bank as a savings buffer. This can cover large unexpected costs, and can help to lessen the blow of medium-sized bills by giving you a source to borrow from without the need to pay interest or make timely payments. But building this savings account is another story! It is tough to build savings, but it is very doable. Here are 3 interesting and unique ways in which you can save money effectively. They might be a bit different, but each of these methods, if practiced properly, can significantly increase your cash cushion over the long run.

1. Save your change. Make it a habit not to spend loose change. Instead, throw it into a jar. At the end of every month, take the jar to the bank and deposit all of the change into your savings account. You would be amazed to know exactly how much money you actually handle as change in a month! And putting this into your savings account can be a great way to build that emergency fund quickly and painlessly.

2. Give something up every day. This might seem unorthodox, but it actually does work! Every day, pick a small thing to give up. If it is a dollar can of soda, then put this dollar into a jar, and write down that you gave up a soda that day. The next day, it might be a 30 cent pack of gum. The next, it might be a $2 candy bar. Keeping a list will help you to look back and review everything you have sacrificed to build your savings! This will not only help you save money, but will help you to appreciate the fact that you have actually given things up to save money.

3. Impose a tax on yourself for your favorite luxury. Can you not make it through the day without a cup of coffee? Well, every time you drink a cup of coffee, pretend that you need to pay a small tax. Throw a quarter into a jar. You can have a “tax jar” at your office and at home. At the end of each month, take this “tax money” and put it into your savings account.