Looking to trim the fat from your monthly budget? Follow these four innovative tips and you’ll soon be shopping for a thicker billfold.

1. Pump It Up and Slow It Down
Here are two easy ways to save nearly $1,000 a year: inflate those tires and slow down. Underinflated tires can quickly gobble up gas mileage. Plus, slowing down and driving 60 miles an hour, not 80, can save you nearly 35 percent annually.

2. Go Green, Save Green
The days of oversized pickups and SUVs for vanity’s sake are over. Making the switch from land yacht to earth-friendly hybrid could significantly increase your MPG. Not keen on econo-boxes? Choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle in your preferred class can still save as much as $2000 a year.

3. Cork the Leaks
Safeguard your wallet and your home by searching out air leaks. You can learn the basics of a home-energy audit online or hire a professional for around $200. Sealing your home with up-to-date weather-stripping can reduce your heating/cooling costs by 25 percent. Add it up and you’ll save nearly $1,500 in five years.

4. Max It Out
If you’re in college, or just supporting a student, be sure to apply for the maximum federal loan amount (i.e., the Stafford). Their fixed rates hover around 6 percent and are typically less than private lenders’ rates. Play it smart and you could save more than $20,000 over 10 years.