If you are trying to save for a big purchase, here are a 3 strategies suggested by financial experts that could make it much easier to begin your savings.
It goes without saying that saving money is a practical habit for any individual or family, but for some it may seem impossible to cut corners and curb expenses to put away a few dollars. If you are trying to save money for a big purchase or that inevitable rainy day, below are a few strategies suggested by the financial experts at DebtHelper.com that could make it much easier to begin building your savings.
Check out these three simple ways to save up for bigger purchases that will help you get what you need without putting you further into debt or closer to bankruptcy.
- Cut back on unnecessary expenses
The first step in trying to save money for that big-ticket item is to cut back on unnecessary expenses and to look for ways to curb your routine costs. For instance, if you are a cable television subscriber, look for lower rates or different options that will reduce the monthly bill. Consider switching to free online streaming instead of high-cost movie channels or reduce the number of cable installations in the home. $30 here and there can add up over a few months.
Other ways to keep a little more money in your own pocket are to lower the data plan on your cell phone or to start clipping coupons on regularly purchased grocery items. When you see your monthly bills going down, it could instill inspiration to come up with clever ways to lower your monthly costs without sacrificing any of the essentials.
- Document every penny
Many individuals are surprised when they start tracking expenses and expenditures on a regular basis. Start to carry a small notepad with you and write down every penny that you spend throughout the day. Pay attention and document everything including money that comes into you or your household. It can be quite eye-opening at the end of the month to see what you spent your money on, and to see how much extra money you have saved on incidental items that you really didn’t need to buy.
If you are more into the digital world, check out financial apps like Mint.com or Pocket Expense to give you a good idea on your spending and get a better understanding of your personal finances.
- Get in the habit of rounding up
Another tactic to help you save money is to get in the habit of rounding up. Each time that you pay for a purchase, bill, or tab, round up the change to the nearest dollar when documenting it in your financial record. You may transfer that difference to your savings account to keep a steady stream of small, but helpful, deposits going into your account. This may surprise you at the end of the month when you see how much money you have managed to save.
Some banks offer this service and automatically transfer the rounded up savings into your savings account. If this service is available to you at your bank, take advantage of it to squirrel away cash in ways that you will hardly notice.
Start saving today and start enjoying tomorrow
It may seem that there is no possible way to put money away toward a big purchase or expense, but it can be done with diligence and a little effort. Take time to contemplate the various ways that you can curb your monthly expenses, even if it’s just a little at a time, as well as keeping track of every penny that you earn and spend every day. Also, try rounding up each time you spend money and transfer this differential to your savings account on a regular basis. Over time, you may be amazed at how much money you save and how quickly your savings will grow.
Author Byline:
DebtHelper.com is an IRS Approved 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Florida Corporation dedicated to our mission to educate, advise and empower youth to seniors to handle debt, credit and housing and to provide affordable housing opportunities through the acquisition and rehabilitation of residential properties.