Saving money for a rainy day isn’t always easy. You may have some good intentions, but at the end of the day, there just isn’t any money left. Somehow whatever you make is spend before you make it to the next paycheck.
1. Start by making a personal budget
Take a look at what you bring in each month. Next, write down your fixed expenses. These are things like rent, car payments, utilities etc. Figure out how much you need each month for groceries and other essentials. This is your bare bones budget. It’s good to know what you need to get by each month.
Next it’s time for a little bit of math. Start with what you bring in each month and subtract all your core expenses. What you’re left with is your discretional income. This will pay for entertainment, clothes, getting your nails done etc. And from here on out, part of that discretional income will go into a savings account.
2. Pick an amount you’re comfortable with
Maybe that’s just $20 per month, maybe it’s $500. Put it in your budget and treat it like any other bill. It won’t take you long to get into the habit of setting aside that money for savings.
3. Set up an auto-savings account
To make it even more hands-off, talk to your bank about setting up a separate savings account. Then set up an auto-deposit to have the savings transferred to the new account as soon as your pay check comes in each month. If you don’t see it, you’ll never miss it and your savings will run on autopilot.
ALSO READ:
Money Saving Worksheets - Eat Better For Less
3 Important Reasons to Keep a Household Budget
ALSO READ:
Money Saving Worksheets - Eat Better For Less
3 Important Reasons to Keep a Household Budget
4. Can you increase your savings a little more?
Don’t forget to audit your savings from time to time. Take another look at your budget. Another great way to boost that savings account is to take any extra money – thinks like birthday cash, tax return, bonuses etc. – and put them straight into the savings account. Again, you won’t even miss the money, but it will help you build up your savings quickly.
5. Make sure your savings are sitting in an interest bearing account
Since you won’t be touching this money unless it’s a dire emergency, you should be able to earn at least a little interest.
Talk to your banker about your best options and start putting your savings on autopilot.
Automatic savings or paying yourself first is the best option to ensure that you are building your money somewhere you can’t touch.
Automatic savings or paying yourself first is the best option to ensure that you are building your money somewhere you can’t touch.
0 comments:
Post a Comment