Saving money even when you're broke

Living paycheck to paycheck isn't fun and can be scary, but there are ways to take back your power and climb out of the cycle of being broke month after month. The most important step is to first be aware of where your finances are going and how much you have exactly.

Call your insurances and see if they can offer you better rates. Many times a simple call can have your agent offering you a lower rate. You don't know unless you ask. If they don't lower it, look elsewhere. Even $30 less a month is a savings of $360 per year.

Realistically look at things you can cut out that you are spending your money on. Are there things you can do differently that seem minor but add up in big ways? Stop and add up your little habits. Those lunches out, even if you eat off the dollar menu still add up.

Cancel all subscriptions you no longer use. It's easy to sign up and lose track. Keep an eye on all of your accounts and track every penny so you know every charge. Again, every little bit adds up. Even a monthly $5 charge slipping through can add $60 per year.

Use cash so you feel the money leaving your hands. According to businessinsider.com it's emotionally harder to part with cash than a card. If you just can't do cash, then at least use a card that gives you cash back. And take advantage of the electronic trail of the card to track every penny.

What about streaming services? Have you slowly added more? Shop around and see if there are bundles that you could be paying for instead of having each service separately. Or maybe pare it down to one or two, catch up on your series a few at a time and then switch services out.

What if you literally can't cut in a single place? You've cut and skimped, and you're still broke? Then you need to look at increasing money. This may mean getting another job even if it is just temporary. Or you could even pick up extra shifts at your job.

Maybe you even already have and things are still tight. Then save your pennies—literally. Participate in your bank's program of rounding up your transactions to the nearest dollar and send it to your savings. You won't notice it missing—same for pennies and coins on the ground.

Check out websites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars and other survey sites where you can earn money filling out surveys or watching videos while you watch tv. Use rebates programs like Ibotta, Fetch and Receipt Hog to get money back on items you are already purchasing.

The important part is to change the way you think— start looking to save and you will see. From saving actual pennies on the ground to finding them in your monthly bills, you will start seeing the savings add up and it will shift your mindset.