Easy ways to save more money in 2018

As this year comes to a close, let’s look ahead and make resolutions for positive changes in the new year.

I’m not suggesting losing weight, which is always at the top of the list. Let’s talk about gaining.

Adding to your nest egg should be a top priority, considering most Americans don’t save much. More than 57 percent have less than $1,000 in bank accounts, according to a GoBankingRates survey of 8,000 people. Worse, 39 percent had a balance of zero.

It doesn’t have to be difficult to put away a little each month, especially if you lightly trim expenses. There’s always some fat in there. Here are eight easy ways to save more in 2018.

Pay yourself first. This is the Golden Rule of savings. First, set a goal for the year. Next, open a separate savings account and add money as soon as you get paid, before you pay bills or do anything else. I’m a fan of Capital One 360 savings accounts because they’re fee-free with no minimum deposit required. There also is an automatic savings plan feature where you can set up regular transfers from other bank accounts. Set it and forget it. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the money grows.

Bank the tax cut: You’ll likely find more money in your paycheck when the $1.5 trillion tax overhaul goes into effect next year. Three-quarters of taxpayers are expected to get a cut next year, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center. Put it away for a rainy day. Contribute to a retirement plan. There is no time like the present to plan for the future. If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, you should be participating. If there is a company match, invest at least that much yourself. Contributions are deducted before taxes, so that’s another strong incentive to participate. You can invest up to $18,500 in 2018. The Internal Revenue Services has a helpful resource guide at IRS.gov/retirement -plans/401k-plans. If you already contribute, bump it up a few percentage points. Another excellent option is a Roth IRA, which lets your money grow tax-free. Contribute up to $5,500 or $6,500 if you’re 50 or over. Learn more at RothIRA.com. Spend less on food. January is a good time to scrutinize your budget and see where the money goes. Aside from housing, food and fuel take the biggest bites out of monthly spending. A great place to trim the fat is by switching to a cheaper grocery store or shopping at multiple stores for sale items. I regularly shop at Aldi and have cut my monthly food bills by at least 50 percent. I also make monthly trips to Penn Dutch Meats to stock up on steak, chicken and seafood

to freeze. While there, keep an eye out for deeply discounted manager specials (stocked on the top shelf ) that will soon expire. I buy wine at Trader Joe’s and hit up BJ’s Wholesale Club (which accepts manufacturer coupons in addition to store coupons) to stock up on store-brand paper products and detergents. At Publix, I shop buy-one-get-one free sales (using one manufacturer and store coupon for each item) and get the goods for free or next to nothing. I also regularly take advantage of the store’s $10-off gas card deals when offered.

Trim energy bills: Take FPL’s personalized, online home energy survey or take advantage of a rebate on a more efficient air conditioner at FPL.com/save/programs. FLP also has easy ideas to implement that add up to $300 a year. Replace incandescent light bulbs with efficient LED bulbs. Replacing just four 60-watt bulbs with LEDs will net you $29 in savings a year. Imagine what you’ll save by replacing all those old bulbs. Install a smart thermostat to save $50 a year. Turn off ceiling fans when leaving the room to save $85 a year, and use cold water to wash clothes to net another $30.

Read a personal finance book. “The Total Money Makeover” by David Ramsey, on sale now for $10 at DavidRamsey.com, tells how to take control of your spending habits so you can maximize retirement investing, pay off credit card debt and build wealth. Another is the oldie but goodie “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. Published in 1937, the author based his advice on interviews with Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and John D. Rockefeller, among other successful industrialists.

Cut the cable or satellite cord: This is a no-brainer. I gave Comcast the boot more than two years ago, saying goodbye to its poor service, endless rate hikes and fees. By making a small investment in a streaming device and cheap antenna, you’ll be on your way to saving $1,200 or more a year. There are many cheaper pay television options such as Sling TV, AT&T Direct and Fubo TV. What are you waiting for? Pull the trigger. Watch my step-by-step video on how to do it at SunSentinel.com /CuttheCord. If you’re not ready for that step, then call your cable or satellite company and negotiate a lower rate by threatening to cancel. It works.