Too often, when people think of saving money, they come up with restrictive plans that are depressing and impossible to follow. There are some sensible approaches you can take to save money and put more dollars in your pocket without taking the fun out of your life.

To start saving money, stop acquiring more debt — it's that simple and that hard. Here are some tips to help you stop spending more than you earn.

• Don't carry credit cards. Leave them at home or freeze them in a container of water. Frozen credit cards will allow you a "cooling off" period to contemplate whether you need a wanted item while the ice melts. (Never use the microwave to thaw a credit card.)
• Make and follow lists when you need to shop. Research the best buy as well as reliability of any big-ticket item. Never go shopping simply for the fun of it because the bills you end up with won't be as fun.
• Begin a savings account. Start a savings account that you cannot easily access; otherwise, you'll be easily tempted to withdraw money with your ATM card. Have money automatically deducted from your paycheck and deposited into this account — if you never saw the money, you won't miss it.
• Shop carefully for your bank. You shouldn't have to pay your bank maintenance fees while it earns money by lending your money to other customers. Look for no-fee accounts, even if it means that you have your checking account with one bank and your savings with another.
• Restrict your entertainment spending. Look in your local newspaper for free events. Go to the library. Plan to split the costs with your friends for weekend activities. Stay away from restaurants; it is much cheaper to bring your own lunch or dinner, or even to pack a picnic.
• Clean out your attic or basement and have a yard sale. You will be surprised just how valuable your old "treasures" may be to other people.
• Reduce your transportation costs. Get rid of your second car to save on taxes, maintenance, insurance and gas. Walk or ride a bike when you have short trips. Car pools are a great option as well.
• Use gas with the minimum level of octane that your vehicle requires. Keep your tires properly inflated to save gas.
• Sweat the small stuff. A $3 latte purchased five days a week, 50 weeks a year equals $750. Track your spending to plug any leaks in your budget.
• Reduce your power bills. Run energy-consuming appliances such as your washing machine during non-peak hours, which typically are in the evenings. Check with your utility company to learn more.
• Hang your clothes to dry instead of using a dryer; you'll increase the life of your garments as well.
• Regularly replace any filters your appliances use.
• Set your thermostat at no higher than 68 degrees when you are home and at 60 degrees at night or when nobody is home.
• Fluorescent bulbs are more efficient than traditional bulbs. A 60-watt fluorescent bulb may have the same lumens (light output) as a standard 75-watt bulb while reducing your monthly bill.
• Save money at the grocery store. Shop with a list and stick to it. Use coupons. Ask your grocer if that store accepts competitors' coupons. Some do, but may not advertise this service. Bring cash and a calculator — you'll be less tempted by impulse items that can drive up your grocery bill. Buy generic brands and compare the cost per unit price. Keep a list of your grocery expenses — there may be room to cut.
• When you're in the grocery aisle, look up and look down. Items placed at eye level are usually more expensive. Don't shop while you are hungry. Try to avoid instant foods, which generally are more expensive and less healthy.
• Health and beauty aids usually are less expensive at a discount drug store than a grocery store. Buy in bulk — the cost per weight measurement usually is significantly less.
• Track the items (especially produce) that you allow to spoil in your refrigerator. Adjust your shopping habits to avoid wasting food in the future.