5 Easy Tips to Start Saving Money

5 Easy Tips to Start Saving Money

For many of us saving is always a goal in mind, but often not achieved. Forget all the hard math problems you think you might have to do, forget thinking that you do not make enough too, forget thinking you cannot, and just start. That is right the very first step of saving is honestly just making that conscious decision you want to save. Once you have made that decision the rest is the planning and implementing. Here are some quick savings tips to get you on the right track.

1. Plan to Save

Have an honest conversation with yourself and make it a commitment to yourself that you will save. At this point no need in trying to pigeonhole yourself into any set amount, you need to change your mindset. Do not look at saving as a burden or something unachievable, but think of it as an addition to your monthly expenses, which brings us to the next tip.

2. List Out ALL of Your Expenses

At this point you are willing to make the effort to begin saving, so now you need to understand realistically how much you can save and when you can start. Having some type of a written list of all your expenses will make it easier for you to understand where you are spending your money.

An easy way to start your list is to start with the expensive items and work your way down to the lesser expenses. This will show you so items that may be easy to cut back on down the road. Be sure to list all subscriptions, grocery expenses, gas purchases, retail (which can include basic things like toothbrush and deodorant), any debts you may be paying off, and anything else that comes out of your checking account.

If you are taking the approach of a monthly budget, be sure to account for things that do not happen monthly like an oil change.

3. Budget for Saving

You are on your way to setting a budget now you need to add an expense for saving. Saving should be just like any other expense you have already list. Utilizing tools available online can be helpful in keeping track of how much you are saving and how fast.

4. Cut Your Spending

Now that you can see how your expenses and income can affect your savings you can begin to cut down in certain areas so that you can add to your savings. Small cuts in entertainment and dining, is a great place to start. The little savings will begin to add up over time.

5. Set a Goal and Plan

An easy way to stick to a commitment is to set a goal for yourself. Try estimating a cost of what you might need to save for, maybe a vacation, or a down payment on a car. Set a goal of how much money you will need and plan a method on how you will begin to save.

Each person is different, but things like creating additional income with a second job may be the answer. For others, reaching savings goals may be done through investments. As you are working through your plan you will be able to set a reasonable timeframe for you to save your goal amount.

Don’t be disappointed about not seeing a large savings balance in the beginning. The process of planning how to manage your funds is the key to building a better habit of managing your money. Sticking to a budget is the only way to see your savings grow. Reviewing your budget will help you manage progress as well as adjust for any changes. If you get a bonus or a tax refund, remember to set some aside for savings. Pay yourself now, and you will thank yourself later. 😊