So maybe I should **duck**? I know we all think about eating less and drive ourselves nuts trying to eat less. We do whatever we can to avoid the refrigerator and it's daunting presence. So who am I, you are probably asking, to even say something like eat less to save money?! I know,I know. But really, I do have a small tip that might help curb those "need to munch on something" urges that our bodies and wallets could do without.

Mint Tea.

Researchers say that sipping some mint tea before eating triggers "I'm full" messages to the brain. Now that is a good thing, right? Worth a try? I think so.

Just crush 2 tsp. of fresh mint leaves in 1 cup of hot water and steep for 5 minutes. Then strain and enjoy!

(To grow your own mint, keep the plant in a shady spot and keep the soil relatively moist.)

Pick a day of the week, and every week on that day, say Tuesdays for example, make it your personal "No Spend Day." You will still spend some money most likely, but focus on making this day each week one where you seriously reconsider spending money on things.

If you are focused and aware of your intentions, saving money that one day will happen more consistently. For example, rethink buying a newspaper that day. Or driving thru a fast food place for french fries. Skip the dry cleaners. Avoid grocery shopping if you can, and make do with left-overs at home. Skip the Frappacinos and bagels. Whatever you might pull out your wallet for on that day, try and do without it if you can.

At the end of that "No Spend Day," put the money you saved in a special jar or such, and each month, deposit the funds in an account!