If you're struggling to make ends, you may be able to save some cash by cutting your commuting costs.

Start by asking your employer if you can telecommute one or two days a week. Working from home not only saves gas, but reduces the wear and tear on your car.

If that's not practical, ask if you can switch to a four-day workweek. That requires you to drive to work one less day a week in exchange for working longer shits -- typically 10 or 12 hours rather than the traditional eight.

Carpooling is another option.

If you can't find coworkers to drive with, check for drivers with similar routes to work at eRideShare.com.

If you've automatically renewed your car insurance with the same company for the past several years, now's the time to shop around for a lower premium.

Web sites such as InsureMe.com make it easy to compare quotes from five or six reputable insurers.

Just make sure you get prices for exactly the same coverage and beware of ridiculously low rates from insurers you never heard of -- they often refuse to pay when you have a claim.

Looking for other smart ways to spend less? Check out our best ideas on how to reduce your cost of living.