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If you're 30 years old, you need to set aside $448 per month for next
35 years to become a millionaire -- if you earn a reasonable 8%
annualized return in a retirement account. Don’t have $448 to spare --
or even $248? Maybe you do and don't realize it. Let's take a look at
how you can come up with the cash. Save $219 Per Month on Taxes Here’s
How: The average refund for the 2008 filing season so far is about
$2,500. If you received an average refund and you are in the 25% federal tax bracket,
you could be entitled to three extra exemptions worth $3,500 each. That
would boost your take-home pay by $219 a month. A couple of reasons you
might be eligible for more exemptions: becoming a new parent or buying
a house. Save $100 Per Month on Food Here’s
How: Bring your lunch and snacks to work. Considering that the average
meal at McDonald’s costs $5 and Dunkin’ Donuts charges $2 for a large
cup of coffee, the brown-bag windfall can be substantial. Save $80 Per Month on Entertainment Here’s
How: We're talking about one fewer dinner-and-a-movie night every
month. That assumes you and your significant other pay the average $33
per person for a restaurant meal (according to a recent Zagat survey) and that you spend $7 per ticket, the average price at the movies (according to the Motion Picture Association of America). Save $28 Per Month on Health Care Here’s How: The typical family spends $1,321 on out-of-pocket health expenses each year, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You can pay those costs with a flexible spending account, which lets you set aside pretax dollars. Save $10 Per Month on Auto Insurance Here’s How: The average consumer pays $829 annually for car insurance, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Raising your deductible from $250 to $1,000 can save you 15% or more. Save $8 Per Month on a Well Maintained Car Here’s
How: Keep your car’s engine tuned and tires inflated to the proper air
pressure. Those minor improvements can save you up to $100 on gas each
year. Save $6 Per Month on Generic Non-Prescription Medicines Here’s
How: The average American spends $185 annually on over-the-counter
medications. Generics cost up to 40% less than their brand-name
counterparts and work just as well. $451 Saved in Total! Invest
the found money every month in a retirement account that earns an
average of 8% return over the next 35 years, and you'll have $1
million. That wasn't too hard, right? | 
