6 Ways to Save on Your Everyday Purchases and Afford Something You Really Want

In this economy, little treats, like my weekly gossip mag and a latte are my no-fail pick-me-ups, even when I can't afford the new handbag I really want. Still, living on a budget doesn't mean splurges have to be totally out-of-the-question. In fact, even finance experts, Ori Schnaps, co-founder and manager of Thrive, and Aaron Patzer, founder of Mint.com, wouldn't recommend not shopping at all.

They advise that going cold turkey can have a negative affect on your finances, and vowing not to splurge can lead to overspending later on in the month. Instead, both financial experts have real-life advice and small spending tips that will help you to spend more wisely day-to-day. Who knows - that splurge-worthy item might just be affordable after all. Read on to get all of their great tips and find out how you can save.

• Join a Book Club - And be rewarded for your loyalty. Book loyalty clubs, like Borders Rewards program, typically offer regular discounts to your email, as well as coupons towards new best sellers and pre-ordered books.
• Shop Around For Music - iTunes may be your go-to destination for new music, but it probably shouldn't be. There are actually a lot more digital music retailers out there than you may think, and their prices just might be more competitive than iTunes. Try DownloadShopper.com to see price comparisons for music from iTunes, Walmart, and Amazon. And don't forget that oftentimes even the artist's website may offer free or lower-priced songs available for download.
• Subscribe to Your Favorite Mag - If you're habitually plunking down cash at the newsstand or grocery store for the same mags, smarten up your spending with a magazine subscription. Subscribers receive magazines at a discounted rate, and sites like Amazon and Magazines.com offer the same popular magazine titles at up to an 80 percent discount.
• Get Your DVDs by Delivery - Put an end to your in-store membership, where new release rentals can go for five dollars a pop. Instead, join Netflix or Blockbuster mail-delivery rentals. If you're a frequent movie renter, the $8.99 membership fee for unlimited, by-mail rentals is a much better buy.
• Sign Up For Spa Services at a Discount - Mint.com estimates that the average person spends just about $150 a month on personal care and maintenance, meaning your mani and pedis are adding up. But deal sites like Spa-Addicts.com and SpaFinder.com, and even your spa's own website may offer upgrades, promotional service add-ons, and discounts up to 50 percent off.
• Get Rewarded For Your Starbucks Addiction - Obviously making coffee at home is the best way to save some cash, but even when I vow to live without my grande non-fat latte for the day, I cave. If you're like me, you might consider looking into the Starbucks Care/ Duetto Visa, which offers 3 percent back when you use the card to refill the connected Starbucks reward account, and 1 percent back on all other purchases, as well as rewards that can get you free syrup and free refills on coffee. If these seem like small savings, just think about the daily bill for your drink of choice, and remember - it all adds up!