Sometimes the greatest things come in very simple packages, and are mostly overlooked, and so is savings. Whether you’re saving for a big project, or purchasing that choicest phone, you must learn those insignificant, yet most rewarding saving tips. The act of savings is more of a habit than an aim.
It’s a discipline one must form in a lifetime and not just for the short term in other to live a life of financial freedom. Financial prosperity amongst other forms of prosperity is a habit formed over time. Therefore, getting to know these saving tips is not enough, you must make them your way of life.
In this article, you will learn some of these saving tips that will have the greatest impact on your finances and overall well-being.
1. Save those loose change
This is as simple as it’s but is highly rewarding. Just imagine you put the change you have left in a jar until it’s filled up. Now you must have in mind that one’s definition of change differs.
However, your definition seems to be, doing so repeatedly might hand you a good sum of money at the end of the month. All you need do is deposit them in the bank.
2. If it is possible, avoid dining out
Dining in restaurants and eateries is quite expensive. You can simply keep a whole lot of money for yourself by cooking at home. You will be surprised how much you have saved at the end of the month. While it may not be convenient to cook all the time, your ability to plan and discipline yourself may help you achieve it.
Remember, you’re trying to save for a project or something meaningful to you. Also, instead of resorting to buying food for lunch at the cafeteria, you can as well cook your lunch and take it with you to work. The effort is worth it, and the return is mind-blowing.
3. Switch to another bank with lesser charges
If your current Bank charges you indiscriminately, you can choose to opt for another Bank with relatively fair charges. This is so important as most commercial banks exploit their customers by making them pay unwarranted charges.
This can be detrimental to your finances, especially if you’re that person who has a budget for his finances, and every cent makes a whole lot to you.
4. When shopping, don’t go for the big brands
Big names like Gucci, Adidas, etc have made a name for themselves. Most of their goods and services sell because of the name and not necessarily because they have the best quality. If you want to save your money, you should rather buy from less-known brands that offer the same quality as those big names.
For the one who wants to save for a great financial future, you rather be concerned about quality than name. It’s a necessary discipline you must instil in yourself. Come to think of it, most Africans who are brand freaks, are not as rich as the Western dudes, who dress in simple yet befitting outfits. It’s just a common sense issue.
5. Cancel the cable subscription
Come to think of it. How much do you spend in your home, that will warrant you spending so much money on a cable subscription, when you can rather stream it with your smartphone?
If you’re very serious about saving, you should do away with monthly subscriptions.
6. Create a budget and stick to it
Without a budget, every money is a surplus. With a budget, and with discipline, you find out you can save much. Set out a certain amount of money for savings in the budget and plan with the rest.
Cut down on things not relevant that may lead to a deficit. Good financial planning and budgeting will regulate your spending, check impulse buying and help you to be highly accountable.
7. Find ways to cut spending and save more
For you to save more, you must find out ways that you can cut down on your spending. First, you have to separate your needs from your wants. And see how much you could do without those spending that may have little or no effect on your daily living.
You can look for an alternative data plan that’s more efficient or low-cost. Also, you can resort to putting leftover food in the fridge rather than throwing them away. These and many other cost-cutting tips are what you must put in place to save more. When it’s properly affected, you might be amazed at how much extra you’re Left with at the end of the month. And of course, wisdom demands that you add it to your savings account rather than spending it.
8. Set an automatic savings system for your account
Almost all banks do automatic transfers. This is a great tip, especially for those who seem to have no discipline for their savings goal. With this method,
The said amount you have budgeted to be saved is automatically transferred into your account whenever you receive your paycheck. It’s automatic, so you don’t have to think about it.
9. Save money in a maximum-yield savings account
To maximize your money as you work towards your financial goals, place your accumulating dollars in a high-yield online savings account. Some of the top online accounts offer better interest rates than huge traditional banks.
10. Set savings goals
Setting a goal is one of the best methods to save money. Begin by considering what you might wish to save for in the short term (one to three years) and the long term (four or more years). Then calculate how much money you’ll need and how long it will take you to save it.
Conclusion
The habit of saving is a habit you will find common to most successful people. And if you’re intentional about saving for a project or the long term, then I believe you are a step away from becoming financially free, especially when you make it a habit. So look out for the tip or tips that have been found suitable for you and follow them religiously.
Remember the marshmallow experiment and the conclusion of that experiment. It was found that those who delayed their immediate gratification were much more successful than those who could not. Discipline and a high level of self-control become the assets you can acquire to aid you in attaining that financial height you have always desired. You have to make that choice today.