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Sure, we all have our small indulgences which seem harmless and which don't seem to affect the overall big budget picture.

However, if you could trim a few thousand dollars a year from your expenses and put all that money towards paying down debt, wouldn't you be significantly better off?

Here are some little things that really add up over time:

That Starbucks/gourmet coffeeshop habit: If you spend $4 a day on gourmet coffee five days a week, you spend $1040 a year on gourmet coffee. If you can't bear to give it up, at least cut back to once a week, or get a cheaper drink - say, a small regular coffee or tea at $1 - or both.

Gym Membership: Look at how much you are paying monthly. Are you using the gym regularly enough to justify the expense? A $60 a month membership costs you $720 a year. Could you find a cheaper, no frills memberhsip for half as much? And if you are not using that membership at least a few times a week, for heaven's sake quit altogether.

Heating and air conditioning: every degree that you crank the air up or down can add as much as 10 percent to your monthly bill. Keep the heat at 68 and air conditioning at 78.

Monthly storage fees: Are you paying $600, $800, or more per year to store stuff? If you never use this stuff and haven't seen it for a year, why do you need it? Clear out the junk in your house that you do NOT use...sell it, throw it away, donate it and get a tax deduction...move in everything that you can fit from the storage unit...and sell, give away, or donate the rest.

These little savings can add up to huge savings over time and can greatly help you balance your budget.