Small moves with big payoffs

For more information on managing your largest investment, check out Gerri Willis' 'Home Rich,' now in bookstores.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Managing your money today isn't easy. But here are some strategies on making the most of your money - everyday.

First take look at the little things. At the end of the day, they add up. Even just bringing your lunch to work instead of going to the cafeteria or ordering out, can make a big difference in your wallet.

Take a look at this calculation. Assuming it costs you $7.00 to eat out, and about $3.00 for a bagged lunch, in one year, you could save $960. Bring your own lunch for two years, you'll save over $1,900 dollars.

Managing your money is also being aware of where you stand financially.

Look - we all want to hide our eyes from our 401(k) statements, but you can't hide your head in the sand.

"Be aware. I've heard so many stories from people recently. 'I don't even open the envelopes, I don't even look,'" says Greg Olsen, a partner at Lenox Advisors. "That's the worst thing you could possibly do, because there may be things that you are doing that are completely and totally wrong for this market," he says

So, no matter how painful it is, knowing where you stand is really half the battle.

Paying with plastic is one way that people tend to lose track of what they're spending. When you don't have to pay for something for a few weeks, you're more likely to make that purchase.

Rethink using credit cards to pay your monthly bills or impulse purchases. Don't use your credit cards to pay off other debts like other credit cards or your mortgage.

There are times when using credit cards is the best strategy because you can dispute charges, you have proof of purchase and you have consumer protections if someone steals your card. For example, if you're buying anything online, use a credit card. The same is true if you're making a big ticket purchase.