Why save
Building up savings is important. It isn’t always the first thing you think of when you get paid however, building up a pot of savings is important and can help massively. At some point in everyone’s life, there will be a time when something unexpected crops up and you are handed a large bill, it could be from a car repair or seeking guidance from the best law firm near me. In addition to everyday costs and living costs without savings, these unexpected costs can cause financial stress and even debt.
Not only can savings be the answer for those unforeseen expenses but they can also enable independence and the ability to live how you wish. This could be to allow you to be able to buy the dream house, car, or holiday.
Although you appreciate the need to save, knowing where to start can be a struggle. Here we will be discussing how to save either for the dream items or even an emergency fund.
Set a savings goal
Having a goal in mind motivates. When you have a target to reach or an amount you expect to save, you are giving yourself purpose. Whether you plan on saving to buy a house or just to build up an emergency fund, giving the money a purpose makes the changes to lifestyle easier to accept and stops you from deviating from your plan.
Know your finances
In order to be able to save, you first have to know what your expenses are. The best starting point is to write down a list of your committed bills, such as rent, utilities, childcare, and so on. From there cross-reference with your bank statement. You may be surprised at what other bills you have which you may have forgotten about. Once this has been reviewed and unnecessary costs cut you will clearly be able to see what is remaining.
Once you know what is leftover you will be able to consider your monthly savings amount. It is important that you set an amount that is realistic. If you set an amount that is unachievable and you are unable to save, you could lose your motivation and enthusiasm to save.
Pay yourself
The best way to build up savings is to think of it as a bill. Set up a standing order and when you are paying your other commitments pay yourself an amount straight into the savings account. Rather than trying to save at the end of the month, do it at the start. By doing this, you ensure that this money doesn’t get used on other expenses or you are tempted to spend it completely. People have a tendency to live to their means by eliminating this money straight away you will live within the fund remaining and make it doable.
Then, eventually becomes a habit and your savings pot will continue to grow steadily. The amount that you put away doesn’t matter too much, as over time it will increase, and as your circumstances change the amount can always be increased.
Pay off debts
Money owed on credit cards or on loans can hinder your savings capabilities and you reach your savings goals. Debts tend to be charged at a higher rate of interest than that being paid on savings accounts. So when extra money comes in from a bonus, instead of putting it in your savings pay off a chunk or all of your debt. Not only will this free up monthly income for you but having less expenditure also saving you from paying unnecessary interest. When commitments such as these are paid, as you are used to having that regular amount leaving your account start putting it into the savings account. It is an easier adjustment to change where that monthly money is going than to get accustomed to having more disposable income and then having to change your spending habits again in the future to increase your savings.
Say no to spending
You don’t have to spend for the sake of spending. The word no is powerful. By applying this word to yourself is an excellent way to stop all disposable income from being spent. However it is important that is this being applied wisely, you don’t want your savings plan to hold you back from enjoying your life and seeing friends. It could be as simple as instead of going out each weekend with your friends, you say no once a month, you limit yourself to being able to spend so much on clothes each month.
(Disclaimer: This content is a partnered post. This material is provided as news and general information. It should not be construed as an endorsement of any investment service. The opinions expressed are the personal views and experience of the author, and no recommendation is made.)