For most of us saving money is not something that comes naturally. We agonize over it, ignore and think money will magically appear in our checking and savings accounts.

Really, though, saving money is much easier than you might think. All it takes is some tips that, with a little dedication and practice, will have your savings growing faster than you ever imagined.

1. Budget. Yes, you get tired of hearing it, but its true. Every projectincluding saving moneystarts with a plan. So get started on that budget now!

2. Kill the plastic. While credit cards may seem like a dream come true, for most people, they end up being a nightmare they never really wake up from. By cutting up and canceling your credit cards, you can save yourself enormous fees and interest amounts that you can put into savings to buy the things you want, when you want them.

3. Walk. Youll be amazed how much money you can save by walking or using mass transportation rather than your car. It may feel inconvenient at first, but with some planning, youll feel right at home before you know it. Use the time you spend on the bus or subway reading or listening to music to keep the ho-hums away.

4. Dine in. Rather than eating lunches and dinners out, eat in for a change. Do this frequently and you will likely be surprised to find youve saved hundreds of dollars in a single month. Dining out, even just for lunch, is usually quite expensive, and its easy to pack good, nourishing lunches with just a little effort.

5. Shop around. This is especially important when youre buying large ticket items such as cars or home appliances such as refrigerators. Dont let high-pressured sales tacticsor falling madly in lovecause you to overspend.

6. Surf the web. Bargains are easier than ever to find, thanks to the Internet. No matter what youre looking for, you can find it online and usually at much cheaper prices than in your local retail stores.

7. Keep steady. Your thermostat, that is. Find a comfortable temperature for your home, set your thermostatand leave it there! Turning your thermostat up and down frequently can cost you large amounts of money, as it takes a lot more energy to heat up or cool down quickly. So find your comfort zone, and stay there!

8. Try used on for size. Many times you can find terrific bargains in everything from home furnishings to clothes to cars. And usually, no one will know you bought something usedunless you tell them.

9. Resell. Again, thanks to the Internet, its easy to sell items you no longer want or need, so why leave them to clutter up your closet, attic or garage? Sell things you can no longer use or just dont like anymore at online auctions. Then tuck the money in your savings account for that rainy dayor that new tie or purse you just cant live without.

10. Out of sight, out of mind. The idea here is if you dont see it, you wont miss it. So each month have a set amount of money automatically deposited into a savings accounthopefully, one that you cant access with a debit card. Its much easier to tuck money away this wayand see that it stays tucked away.