Saving money is not easy but the hardest part of saving is actually starting, after that, it becomes a routine and a satisfying one at that. Life is unpredictable. Can you imagine finding yourself in an unpredictable position that threatens your financial stability? Saving money can help armor up for such situations so below are six money-saving tips that work well when paired with discipline.
Establish Your Budget
Establishing a budget is the first step to saving money. There are different ways to draw up a budget and choosing the one that works best for you is important as you will more likely stick to it. Drawing up a budget sets up a structure that helps you live within your means
Build an Emergency Fund
Saving money for a rainy day will decrease the stress that comes with unforeseen circumstances. Home appliance repairs, emergency room visits or even abrupt unemployment is covered by the emergency fund. Therefore saving your emergency funds in a savings account that has really good interest rates is a good idea for this fund. The amount of the emergency fund depends on your financial situation but it is suggested that it is enough to cover at least three months of expenses.
Save Automatically
Out of sight, out of mind. Have your bank move money from your checking account to your savings account so you don’t have to do it. This will help when drawing up a budget, so you don’t even consider that amount when looking at how much you have every payday.
Set Saving Goals
Set long-term and short-term goals. A short-term goal would be deciding to set aside $50 every week while the long-term goal would be wanting to have at least $2600 saved by the end of the year. It is easier and less stressful to have short term goals and tackling them on a weekly or monthly basis.
Only Use Your Bank’s ATMs
Using ATMs of other banks charges, while withdrawing at your bank’s ATM doesn’t (or charges significantly less). Those $3 dollar withdrawal fees may seem like they are not much but when you add them up, you could find yourself spending about $160 a year if you withdraw every week.
Make a List Before Going Shopping
Making a list can help prevent impulsive spending. It also helps with planning and actually thinking things through before purchasing. Some shops, especially grocery shops offer reward savings, use that as another way of saving.
Find Ways to Cut Your Spending
Pack a lunch instead of eating out, this does not only help you save but also keeps your diet healthy and clean as you have better control over what you’re eating. Make coffee at home and take a flask instead of spending $2.50 every day. Invest in preventative healthcare, prevention is a lot less expensive than trying to cure usually, a lot less painful too. These are just a few examples of how one can do little things to save in the long run. Saving is not the most fun thing to do but it is definitely worth it and helpful.
