Most people can manage to save a little money by cutting out some of the long-term expenses they enjoy, such as favorite magazine subscriptions, daily coffee stops, and optional cable channels. But, noted Kimberly Palmer, author of a book for young professionals called, Generation Earn, there are plenty of short-term savings tips that may seem extreme but can actually improve your quality of life even as the savings mount up.

Based on tips from the young professionals she interviewed, Palmer offers six ways to get started:
• Buy cheaper clothing – Except for major purchases, such as a suit or a winter coat, try not to pay over $30 for any article of clothing. Check out cheap-chic retailers like Old Navy or Forever 21 for a range of stylish bargains. Habitual shoppers can save up to $200 a month and still be up-to-the-minute.
• Party at home – Game Nights and Girl’s or Boy’s Nights In have been gaining in popularity, taking the place of costlier nights on the town. Get your gang on the bandwagon with Potlucks, Poker Nights, Old Movie Nights and more— and save on cab fare, cover charges, restaurant meals, and expensive first-run movie tickets.
• Give love coupons instead of gifts – Handmade coupons good for a back rub, a home perm, babysitting or a home-cooked meal can make a friend or relative’s birthday more special than a store-bought gift. If you have a special talent, like sewing or calligraphy, your gift can be extra special.
• Plan cheap date nights – Forego expensive dinner dates once or twice a month in favor of a picnic, a home-cooked dinner, or a sandwich stop followed by a lecture, a bookstore browse, a museum exhibit or a local college performance.
• Eat before you go – Snack on a peanut butter and banana or other favorite sandwich before meeting friends for dinner. Then order an appetizer or a small plate instead of a meal, and pocket the extra dough.
• Turn your freezer into a fast-food bistro – Cook a couple of favorite one-pot dishes over the weekend and freeze in single portion containers. When you come home from work tired and hungry, skip the fast-food stop and microwave a healthier dinner.