Let’s face it, saving money is not as easy as it sounds. There are always bills to pay, mouths to feed, and things to do. Saving somehow always seems to fall to the wayside. However, no matter where you are at in life, it is super important to try and save money. You never know when you might be in an emergency or when an awesome opportunity presents itself and you need money fast. And, after all, you are going to retire one day. Here are 10 ways you can start boosting your savings account.
Pay off debt
If you are holding onto any debt, start there. Start with the smallest amounts and proceed through your larger balances. Think credit card balances, student loans, car loans. You will be surprised how much money you are able to free up just in this one step, all of which can go straight to your savings account. Even an extra $100 a month adds up quickly.
Make your own meals
This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Making your own meals is significantly cheaper than constantly going out to eat. Let’s image even a $2 difference in each meal. Making your own meals then saves you $6 per day and roughly $200 each month. Typically savings are much more significant. Plus, cooking your own meals can make them healthier. If you are spending the time cooking you become more conscious of what you are consuming, making it easier to opt for healthier options!
Save First
Every time you receive a paycheck put $50 into your savings. If you can afford more, save more. But typically, the ideal is 15% – 20% of your weekly paycheck. If you prioritize saving last, you will probably be left disappointed after spending all your money elsewhere. Save first and then budget for the remainder of the week or month. Then, in the event of an emergency, you will have your savings account to fall back on!
Stop Smoking
Quitting smoking is another step that has multiple benefits. First you save money; and, second, you will reap the health benefits. This step certainly does not apply to everyone, but think about what addictions you might have. Sticking to the theme, do you chew or drink alcohol heavily? Or, do you have a habit of stopping at your favorite fast-food restaurant a few times weekly? Or, do you spend multiple nights out on the town? Reducing these behaviors and others will have a tremendous impact on your savings account.
Buy in bulk
This is a popular way to save money in the long run. Buying many of your daily supplies in bulk is expensive upfront, but the rewards, in the long run, can be in the hundreds of dollars. Some popular bulk products: cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, toothpaste, and a variety of food and cooking products.
Invest
Investing for a beginner can be intimidating. Truthfully, you have no idea where to put your money and you most likely do not have the time to study up on companies to make an educated investment. If you have enough money saved up, you might consider talking with a financial expert. Otherwise, there are several apps and websites that try to simplify the investing process for newbies. Of course, know what you are getting yourself into when you invest. You can certainly compound your money, but you might lose it all as well. If you decide to invest, only risk whatever you are willing to lose. Always talk with your family, and if possible, consult an accountant or financial expert for proper guidance.
Review your budget
Budgeting helps people know exactly how much money is coming in, how much is going out, and how much is being saved. It also allows them to shift things around to improve savings, for instance. It is also important to review your bank and credit card statements regularly to make sure you are never being overcharged. In the world of online subscriptions, it is also important to be on the lookout for any monthly charges that you did not make or canceled previously. A monthly review will go a long way in boosting your savings.
Set goals
Last, but not least, set some goals. How much do you want to save weekly? Monthly? Annually? What do you want to do with your savings? Setting goals clarifies the mission and helps you avoid caving in and splurging all your savings on weekend getaway or new clothes. Setting goals adds a degree of accountability that might otherwise fall through the cracks.