Save money by spending?  Sure, that's a principle that every purveyor of special offers wants us to believe in. At 20% off, you'll save hundreds if you only buy enough of whatever.  Yeah right!

But there IS a way in which judicious spending can help you save money -- lots of money. And it's a technique that I've learned from successful dieters and fat loss plans.

Many of us find it difficult to stay on budget -- or a diet -- when we feel deprived.  So what does it take to feel less deprived, or not deprived at all?  Treats!  Here's the four-step plan:

1) Cheap treats are key

Find something inexpensive that you use a lot and where an upgraded version will make a difference in your enjoyment.  Make a list.  Examples include coffee, socks, shampoo.

2) Upgrade where a little money can make a big difference

Pick one (or maybe two) of the things from your list of frequently used things where there is a version that you really enjoy even though it's a bit more expensive.  Maybe there's a favorite shampoo that makes you feel really pampered. Or a fancy brand of coffee.  Or even a cool pair of socks.

3) Treat yourself regularly

Make a point of treating yourself to one or two of those things on a regular basis.  Every time you shampoo your hair, the yummy scent will lift your spirits.  And every morning, the luscious aroma of your special coffee will make you feel like you're really indulging yourself.  And those socks -- they'll make you smile every time you put them on.

4) Make a game of saving on bigger ticket items

While you're enjoying your small indulgences, you'll find it much easier to skimp on some bigger expenses for the long-term pay-off.  You might even enjoy making a game out of saving as much as possible on other, much higher ticket items. What works for diets -- treat yourself regularly to food you enjoy so you can stay on your diet -- works for money diets as well.

Who needs a new sofa when the old one still works and you can enjoy your yummy coffee while lounging on it?   Meanwhile, you'll be so much less tempted into making impulse self-pity purchases because you already know you're treating yourself to indulgences that really matter to you... which means you'll be saving a bundle.