Saving money is a difficult task, especially for those of us who may be living paycheck to paycheck. Though it can be a bit inconvenient, the truth is that saving your money is an important part of securing a financially stable existence. Though it may seem impossible, there are several small things you can do to save some extra cash.

First, you have to keep the scope of this project in mind. Saving is a lifelong activity, one that should not stop until you are happily retired and spending the money you have worked so hard to put aside. Though retirement saving is important, other reasons exist for keeping some spare change around. Consider unexpected medical bills, the need to buy new furniture, or the need to replace a broken down car. With your savings, all of these stresses will be a bit easier to deal with.

So, here are ten ways that you can boost the value of your savings account.

• Save your change. Some banks offer a program that rounds each purchase up to the next dollar and puts the change into your savings account. This is a great way to build your financial reserve, and can add hundreds to your savings.

• Create a budget. Do you really know where your money is going? If you don’t have a budget, then probably not. Start by writing out all of your bills, then set an amount to spend on living expenses and dump the remainder into your savings account.

• Eat at home. Though going out to eat is fun and convenient, eating in will save you hundreds.

• Shop around for a new cell phone plan. Oftentimes people get comfortable with their cell phone providers and fail to recognize the fact that they are overpaying. Switching cell phone plans may save you hundreds per year.

• Reevaluate your insurance plan. Car insurance and, if you are on a personal plan, health insurance can be switched to cheaper premiums.

• Don’t buy a new car unless you have to. Take care of the one you have and it should last well over 100,000 miles.

• Revamp your wardrobe. Get crafty—instead of buying new clothing every season, repurpose your older pieces to fit in with new trends.

• Use cloth towels instead of paper towels. Many department stores sell cloth towels in bulk, which will cost you much less than using disposable towels (though you will have to do an extra load of laundry each week).

• Walk or ride your bike wherever you can. Gas is a huge expense, and saving it is something that will help you boost the extra cash you can slide into your savings account.

• Compromise with yourself. Do you want to go see two movies this week? Instead of indulging yourself, go to one and put the cost of the other into your savings account.

Saving your money is an important aspect of setting yourself up for future success, but it isn’t always easy. Follow these steps and you will see your savings grow!