“Coupon Mom” Stephanie Nelson and PeoplePC Online suggest the following tips to begin saving your way to a $1 million. Follow this advice, stick to a plan, and watch your nest egg increase significantly — over $1.5 million in 25 years or less:

1. Make a note of your regular spending, basic household expenses, telephone bill, Internet access and cable, to benefit from competitive rates and savings. Find the best deal with a cost effective ISP, PeoplePC (www.peoplepc.com) offering inexpensive Internet access for $10.95 per month including virus protection, spam filter, and pop up blocker. That is a savings of $11,467 in 25 years.
   
   
   
   
2. Flee the fees. It’s tempting to use the closest ATM when you’re in a hurry (you’re giving away $2 every time). It’s easy to miss bill payment deadlines (you’re giving away about $25 with each late payment). And sometimes you find yourself paying returned check charges (about $20 a pop – on average). To avoid unnecessary fees, stay vigilant. Visit your bank’s Web site to stay on top of deadlines and balances, in addition to keeping track of credit card and checking account statements. The fees and postage you’ll save can quickly add up and earn you interest. Savings potential: $ 19,503 over 25 years.
   
   
3. Smart eating leads to less spending. Groceries rank third in a household budget after rent/mortgage and car maintenance. Take advantage of Sunday’s paper sales and coupons at your local supermarket. Search online for coupons and limit your shopping on the essentials. Pick restaurants offering discount promotions and accepting gift certificates. You can enjoy a savings of $112 per month yielding to $97,660 in 25 years.
   
   
4. Homemade is better. Enjoying your fresh brewed coffee in your comfortable couch and packing your own lunch will save you time and money than getting used to high calorie and fatty lunches and rush-spilled latte from the corner coffee shop. This will save you $5 to $10 per day which will eventually lead to $95,110 in 25 years.
   
   
5. Penny-wise exercise. Before you pay costly gym membership dues, find out if your employer is affiliated with any fitness clubs. Many companies and health care providers also reimburse up to a certain amount if you provide them with proof that you have joined a gym. To save even more, take advantage of free health and fitness classes often offered at local schools, houses of worship or parks. Savings potential: $38,048 over 25 years.
   
   
6. Wash and go. Buy washable clothes or use coupons to save 25-50% off at your local dry cleaner by searching the coupon mailers and printable local coupon sites. Save $10 per week to accumulate $9,518 over 25 years.
   
   
7. Homemade pizza. Mmmm! Make your own pizza instead of having one delivered every week, you’ll save $8 per pizza, spend less time than calling in an order and waiting for the delivery person to ring your doorbell – and you’ll have a fun activity that can involve the entire family! Too busy to make your own? Pick up a carry-out pizza with a 50% off coupon and save $5 per pizza. Savings potential: $30,440 over 25 years.
   
   
8. Say no to refunds. While it feels like a bonus to receive a refund from the IRS, you are actually lending your money to the government. Make sure you take the proper amount of withholdings, and aim to balance out your tax return instead of planning for a refund. Savings potential: $3,146 over 25 years.
   
   
9. Pay yourself first! If your company’s payroll department provides the option, always have paychecks deposited directly into your bank account. Additionally, save for retirement and other life expenses by enrolling in an IRA or 401(k) plan and allocating a specific amount from your paycheck each month. Save more by taking advantage of company matching programs. Savings potential: $570,623 over 25 years.
   
   
10. Who said renting was cool? If you plan to remain in the same city for several years, it makes financial sense to own a home. Instead of spending money on rent, you can build equity in your home and ultimately have a great long-term investment. Savings potential: $522,194 over 25 years.
    
    
11. Erase the interest. Pay off any short-term debt as soon as possible and pay yourself the interest payment. The average household pays $141 in debt payment per month. Savings potential $134,102 over 25 years.