Daily Leap Career Video of the Week: 11 Creative Ways to Save Even More Money

Each week we present our Daily Leap Career Video of the Week. The video we share presents news or advice related to career and life development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.

In the video below from The Financial Diet, Chelsea Fagan and Erin Lowry share 11 creative ways to save more money. These tips can come in handy at any time but particularly during a period of unemployment or underemployment. Watch the video for more.

Financial Steps to Take if You Plan to Quit Your Job

If you’re planning to leave your current job, either to take a new job or to step out as an entrepreneur, you’ll want to assess your financial situation.

Consider taking the following steps to ensure you’re in a good financial place to make the move.

Create a budget. Some studies have shown that about two-thirds of us do not have a budget. This is an important first step to determine your income needs and to aid in salary negotiation with your next job. You’ll want to know how much money you need to make so you can pay your bills. In addition, creating a budget will help you determine anything you’re wasting your money on and ways you can decrease your spending so you can take the following step.

Save. You’ll feel much more confident with your next step if you’ve built up a nest egg of savings. If you have enough in your savings to pay your expenses for at least six months you should be fine, depending on your next plans. If you don’t have much in savings right now be proactive and look at your expenses. What can you get rid of? Maybe you can go without cable service for a few months, or perhaps pack your lunch rather than eating out every day. You can likely find some creative ways to reduce your expenses.

Live simpler, cut back, and sell. To continue with the point above, make eBay or craigslist your friend. This is a great time to inventory the things in your home and determine what you can sell to bring in a few extra dollars. This might be some CDs or DVDs gathering dust, or perhaps that old laptop you no longer use. Take a look around and see what can be converted into some cash for your savings.

Evaluate 401k options. If you have a 401k with your current employer speak with a financial planner about the implications and options related to leaving your money with your old company’s plan or moving it to an IRA.

In addition to the steps above you might consider speaking to a financial adviser in order to develop a specific financial plan that fits your situation.

Daily Leap Career Video of the Week: Simple Steps to Get Started with a Budget

Each week we present our Daily Leap Career Video of the Week. The video we share presents news or advice related to career development, searching for a job, the economy and employment, and other career-related topics.

The Forbes video below identifies some simple steps to help you get started with a budget. Whether you're unemployed, under-employed, or retired, these steps can help you gain better control over your finances and live a more stress-free. Identify what your motivation is for budgeting and follow the additional tips in the video.

Creating A Post Grad Budget

I think we often take for granted all of the things our parents do for us from birth until we become adults. Especially the financial stress of raising a kid. Even throughout college, your parents may have paid for your schooling, housing, food, and all the other things you needed and couldn't quite afford yet. Even if you have been on your own financially for a while, keeping a budget and learning some new money tips never hurts. Here is some advice for a newly post grad out on their own financially:

1. Make use of all the great websites and apps that are offered these days to keep track of your finances. A great one is Mint.com. You can link your bank accounts and keep track of all your expenses. You can even set goals and create budgets and get yourself set up with savings accounts and credit cards based on your needs.

2. An age-old trick is to start using cash. Having the cash in your hands makes you think harder about what you're purchasing. When you actually have to fork over the cash for something instead of just swiping a "magic card", you may think twice about buying something frivolous.

3. If you don't like using websites or apps to keep track of your budget, use a simple pad of paper and a pen. Write down all your expenses. For example, car payments, student loans, cell phone bill, chiropractor appointments, etc. Writing down bills you pay each month may make you realize things you can give up each month to save some money. Then write down the money you make each month and see if you can save the difference!

4. Get a credit card but use wisely. You need a good credit score to buy big ticket items, such as a new car. Use your credit card for emergencies or big items and be sure you pay it all back on time. Keep track of your credit score and make sure it stays where you want it.

5. Save your money whenever you can. Pack your lunch instead of eating out, find free entertainment, find cheaper cell phone plans, etc. You never know when you will need that extra cash, especially now when you're just starting out. The more money you save from your first real job, the better you're off in the future.

6. Lastly, retirement may seem far away and the last thing you should be thinking about, but start planning now. The more you save, the earlier you can quit working when you're older. Start a 401(k) at your job or make yourself a retirement plan. Years from now you'll be glad you were financially responsible from the start.