Money may not grow on trees, but we can help it grow in our wallets. Recently, I asked a group of people to tell us how they make saving $50 (or more!) pretty much a no-brainer.

Jennifer L. doesn't spend any $5 bill that comes into her possession. "My husband laughed at me, but I did this for five months leading up to a vacation and saved $485," says Jennifer. "And I didn't have to let go of any favorite luxuries like manicures, pedicures or Starbucks."

Lydie T. has found a way to make credit card companies pay her. "I pay for every purchase (groceries, books, gifts) with a Visa card that gives me one reward point for every dollar I spend," says Lydie. "I pay the balance in full at the end of the month, so I don't pay any interest. Last summer, I saved $1,000 by using the points to buy my husband's ticket to Europe to see our family."

Instead of searching her purse for the exact change, Lori G. makes sure she receives change. "Every few days, I put my change in a container. I average $10 a week. It's so fast and easy and adds up to $50 in no time."

Eleanor C. does comparison shopping on the spot. "When I'm in a store, I use my smartphone's web connection to check if what I want is available for less from an online retailer. Sometimes my local store will match the best online price," says Eleanor. "Standing in line at Staples to pay for a camera, I checked prices online. Staples was charging $449, but it was available online for $368 with free shipping. I saved more than $80."

Energy efficiency helped Kristen and Jamie S. save $60 in just two months. "We unplugged our second computer, microwave, radio, shredder, spare phone, toaster oven, second TV and numerous other appliances that we don't use daily. We plug them in when we need them," says Kristen.

Monica T. and her husband ditched their premium cable movie channels. Instead, they wait until the entire season of a show is on DVD and rent it. Savings: $50 in the first three months, $227 in a year (or $211 after renting the DVDs).

Michele H. shops off-season and buys in bulk. "Last year, children's winter coats were on sale at J.C. Penney for $12 (originally $65). I bought one for each of my kids to use this year — and two coats a size larger for next year." Her savings? More than $200.

Angie A. frequently calls her service providers to make sure she's getting the best deal. "Many will match new-customer offers if you have the ad and ask for that rate. I have lowered my satellite TV, high-speed internet and cellphone bills, usually by $15 to $20 a month per provider. That's $5 to $60," says Angie.

A year ago, Judy G. started taking advantage of her employer's offer of a free bus pass. The administrative worker at a local university estimates that leaving her car at home has saved her $40 to $60 a month in gas alone. It also inspired her to walk more and stay healthy.

Diana R. switched to free computer-to-computer calling with Skype to cut high long-distance costs. "With in-laws in India, our long-distance bill was pretty high," says Diana. "We save about $50 a month now."

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at [email protected] or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of "Debt-Proof Living," released in 2014. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.