Most of us are creatures of habit. That is why we hardly think twice about buying an expensive cup of coffee on our afternoon break, eating out with the family on Sundays, or getting some retail therapy when we’re feeling stressed out. That is how many of you define and find comfort. Except, we are all feeling the crunch these days, so no more ifs and buts – it’s time to save here and now.

But you need not feel deprived, because you can substitute something else and still have a lot of savings to show for it. Just take heart and inspiration from some other people who found their own way to save for a rainy day.

1. On eating and drinking out. Stopped drinking soft drinks, take a juice and water. Stopped drinking signature coffee. Now just take it once in a while.

2. On shopping habits. Give up on buying signature bags.

3. On beauty treatments, give up going to exclusive spas, give up bimonthly manicure and pedicure.

4. On travel plans. Give up extras and other luxuries on plane trips.

5. On lifestyle choices. Give up expensive cable TV subscription. Give up having maid and other luxurious things.