We have all been there. We reluctantly hit the 'Display Balance' button at the cash point... our stomach drops. There is NOTHING left.

You frantically search your brain for a reason - have you been a victim of identify theft? Have you written a cheque (remember them?) that's only just been paid in? Did you splurge the whole lot on a big night, but blanked it out? Nope - you can’t even blame this one on the booze.

The reason is simple - you've spent too much. Not on anything special. Just on life.

By cutting out certain things from your daily routine you could end up saving yourself thousands every year. Get in the money-saving mood now and you might even be able to make your next student loan installment last until Christmas.

Here's just some of the crap you can cut out...

The Crap

Starbucks Vanilla Latte - £2.50

Maybe they are delicious, and you may think it is necessary to wake you up in the mornings, but in reality it's something you could easily make at home. If you have one of these each morning, 5 days a week, that totals at: £650 per year.

Hair cuts at fancy places - £30

All you are really paying for is a little bit of a head massage (when they wash your hair) and a hairstyle that wasn’t really what you were looking for in the first place. Besides there are ways to get your haircut for free.

Most people get an average of three haircuts a year, that’s going to total at: £90 per year

Meal Deals - £3.50

It looks like it’s worth your money but it really isn’t! You don’t ever get enough, especially if you opt for a wrap instead of a sandwich (foolish mistake), plus it isn’t really the healthiest option for lunch. It's so much better to try out amazing pack lunch ideas.

Having a meal deal for lunch, five days a week, totals at: £910 per year.

Greggs - £1

Greggs is delicious, horribly bad for you, but still delicious - even just having a donut or a cheesy bean bake for breakfast, just once a week is denting your bank balance by: £52 a year.

Popcorn at the cinema - £5

It is overpriced, and even if you ask for sweet popcorn, half of it will be salty anyway. Chances are it's been sat there for a whole day, too - who wants that?! Especially when you can make your own for next to nothing and smuggle it in.

If you go to at least one Orange Wednesday a month, and you get popcorn each time, say goodbye to: £60 a year.

Smoking - £7

Smoking is such an expensive habit, and if you stopped completely not only does it have health benefits, but it incredible financial incentives, too. Even if you cut down, it still means you don’t have to stand outside in the cold as much. If you bought a pack of 20 just three times a week, you are burning through: £1092 per year.

That extra drink - £4

You know that last drink you always have, that you really didn't need, because you've had plenty anyway? The one that you end up leaving half of, or finishing quickly (thus tipping you over into hangover, or further ill advised expense)? Yeah that one. Get rid of that.

That extra drink twice a week costs you: £416 per year.

Total: £3270 a year.

( Yes, that's three thousand two hundred and seventy pounds a year.)

Combine this article with this article and you'll be laughing all the way to the bank:

• 6 worst money wasting danger zones!!

Tags: Saving money , Money advice , Money management , Frugal living tips