We all know the importance of saving money. But sometimes, saving can be such a Herculean task, especially when there always seems to be a new gadget to buy, new clothes to splurge on, and new fun things to try out. But dropping extra money on your savings account doesn’t have to be a total drag. In fact, there are several things you can do to save without trying too hard.
- Automate
The first thing you need to do when you receive your paycheck is set aside a specific amount for your savings. But more often than not, things don’t go as planned. People usually get overwhelmed that their funds have been replenished again and forget about saving until it’s too late. To avoid this problem, it’s a good idea to automate your savings.
Automated deposits are a quick and effective way of ensuring you’ve put something into your savings account because a portion of your paycheck will immediately be set aside the moment you receive your salary. Most banks allow you to do this conveniently online or through their app.
- Schedule meals ahead of time
Having a week-long meal plan not only encourages healthy eating, but also saves you time and money. When you already know what meals to prepare for the week, grocery shopping would be a breeze. You can avoid aimless wandering down the grocery aisles, and avoid the trap of purchasing products you don’t need or won’t use. Plus, you can even take advantage of discounts or deals on items you purchase regularly.
- Cancel memberships or subscriptions you don’t use
Have you still been going to the gym? Do you really need a cable subscription to over 200 channels when you’re barely even home? Review all your current memberships or subscriptions and determine which ones are useful and which are those that are only sucking your savings. You can use the money you usually spend on these for something more important, or you could choose to put them directly to your savings account.
- Pay bills on time
Another way to boost your savings is by paying your bills on time. Whether it’s the student loan you took out on college, your mortgage, or phone plan, making payments on time will help you establish a good credit standing and avoid being charged with late fees or penalties. Just like your savings, you can also opt to sign up for auto-pay where the amount you owe will automatically be deducted from your bank account. This way you won’t miss any due dates and stay on top of your financial priorities.
- Stay with family or friends when traveling
Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to swear off fun activities, like traveling, for good. You can still go and enjoy fun activities as long as you’re mindful of your spending. One way to save when traveling, for instance, is staying with your family or friends instead of booking a hotel. Not only will you be able to save, you can also bond with them on your trip.
Final Thoughts
Saving money requires discipline and careful planning. This can make saving feel like a chore sometimes, which often discourages people. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to boost your savings account without really trying too hard. Small changes make a big difference, after all.
