By Joanne Hoffer, M.B.A.

When it comes to saving money, it really does all add up. One measly dollar a day adds up to $365 dollars a year! Skip that bottled water and drink filtered! Make coffee at home instead of picking it up at the local coffee shop.

Below are some more ways to save big money—without doing a lot of work:  

Get Free Stuff

1. Doctors: Pharmaceutical representatives come by on a regular basis with samples for physicians.  Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor if they have samples of products.
   
2. Stores: Always search for coupons for “Free Shipping” offers when buying online. No need to pay $10 for delivery when a coupon code might be hovering around online. For “real-world” stores, search for coupons such as “Buy one, get one free.”  The savings may be a dollar here and a dollar there, but they add up.

Pay the Lowest Cost Possible

1. Medications: Contact individual drug manufacturers and see if you qualify for additional discounts. You will need to make a list of all the medications you take and contact each of the manufacturers separately, so start with the most expensive ones first. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America provides a central directory of patient assistance programs. Visit it online at www.phrma.org or call 800-762-4636.
    
2. Office Visits: Ask your doctor for a reduced rate due to budgeting concerns. You never know—they may just knock $50 off the bill, and over time, that adds up.
   
3. Restaurants: You can always cut back on going out to eat all together, but everybody deserves a break from cooking and cleaning.  Make use of early bird specials. Another way to save money is to skip going out to dinner and go out to lunch instead. The food is the same but may be significantly cheaper. Plus, you can eat the leftovers for dinner!

Review Your Bills

1. Utility Bills
   Judy T. of Tampa, Florida, saw an ad in the paper for free energy audits given by Florida Power and Light. She expected they would come in and tell her that her old appliances were electricity hogs and she should go out and get new ones. Instead, they told her appliances, while they were old, were fine. But, they did recommend that she add insulation in her attic. For a cost of $500, she was able to save $60 from her monthly electric bill. Many electric companies will also offer an additional rebate as a part of the visit to encourage their customers to become more energy efficient.
   
2. Insurance
   Once a year, every year, you should sit down and review your insurance. You may be paying twice for some things, or paying for things you don’t need.  For example, if you have AAA, or if you can comfortably afford to pay a towing bill, you may not need towing and roadside assistance for your car insurance. If you have comprehensive health insurance, make sure you are not also paying for medical coverage on your car insurance. Also, call your insurance agent and make sure you are getting all the discounts you are eligible for. You may be eligible for discounts for airbags, low mileage or a safe driving record, that you are not taking advantage of.
   
3. Gasoline Bills
   There are several ways to do this. Check www.gasbuddy.com for the lowest gasoline prices in your area.  Buddy up! Carpool wherever you can.  Not only do you get to save money, you can spend more time with your friends. And, last, make sure your tires are properly inflated (remember to check them when they are cold).