10 painless ways to save $1,000 by next year

Whether it's a New Year's resolution, a credit card you're trying to pay down or simply that you want more cash in your pocket, finding a little extra money is important.

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But saving shouldn't be painful. If the steps you're taking negatively affect your quality of life, you probably won't be able to maintain them for long. So don't go on a "dollar diet." Instead, find ways to save that are simple and fast and that won't feel like deprivation.

Keep in mind that savings don't have to be big. Everything counts. Start with a goal and get going. Let's say you want to go for a $1,000 gain with little or no pain. Watch the video below for a few ideas, then read on for more.

Let's recap the ideas from the video above and add more to the list:

Minimize your minutes. According to The New York Times, people use data more than voice on their phones these days. If you have more minutes than you need -- especially if you have a rollover plan -- consider downsizing to a more affordable and fitting amount.

• Interactive chart: Finances by age, income

Comparison shop at a site like BillShrink to check out the lowest price for the features and usage that suit you. Just enter some information about how you use your phone and what you want, and it'll give you some options and prices from different carriers.

Savings: About $200 a year if you can cut just $17 from the monthly bill.

Savings: Cut your $25-a-month land line and you'll be $300 a year richer.

Savings: If you're paying the average membership fee, dropping it will buff up your savings by $500 a year.

Savings: Depending on how much you cut, up to $800 a year.

• Quiz:How much life insurance do you need?

Savings: If all you do is raise your deductibles, you should be able to save an easy $200 a year.

Savings: Between travel, hotel and ticket/rental costs, easily $1,000.

We did a hugely popular story called "Saving with salvage groceries." Check it out for a list of salvage grocery stores that offer savings of up to 50%.

• How do your finances stack up?

Another way to save is to buy groceries online. Amazon.com often has decent prices, and if you use their "subscribe and save" feature -- which lets you set up a recurring order at a specified frequency that you can cancel anytime -- you can save an extra 15%. It also helps to use coupons, buy generics, and shop at dollar stores. Check out "5 great deals at dollar stores" and "10 dollar store duds." And for even more ideas, see our story "28 tasty tips to save on food."

Savings: $300 or more a year.

See if you can satisfy your current clothing needs by taking the money you make from the consignment shop and spending it there. For more ways to save, check out "18 tips to dress for less."

Savings: $300 or more a year.

From picnics in the park to free plays at your local college to amateur sports -- the world is full of low-cost ways to have fun. Check out "26 tips to save on entertainment" for more ideas.

Savings: $300 or more a year.

You can get the last bit of mascara by heating it with your hair dryer or warm water. You can extend the life of your liquid foundation and concealer by using half as much and mixing it with a dab of facial lotion. See the story above for more ideas.

Savings: $100 a year.

These are all things you can do without damaging your quality of life. Follow through on only half of them and you'll easily have an extra grand or more by this time next year. 

More from Money Talks News and MSN Money:

• 205 ways to save money 
• The 10 golden rules of saving on everything
• The 10 commandments of wealth and happiness
• 8 friends who will cost you money
• How to get groceries for free
• Money errors you're probably making