If you’re like the other 141 million Americans, the new year rolled around and you made a couple of resolutions. Health and self-improvement are normally the top two but getting financially fit is consistently in the top three. Yes, it’s almost February but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to get started.
If your goal is to save money, here are five easy steps from Teresa H., TTCU Certified Credit Union Advisor, to get you moving in the right direction.
Be specific when setting your goals.
Instead of a general goal of “save money,” put an actual dollar amount down. Once you have something tangible, it’s easier to visualize your goal.
Name your goal.
What are you saving for? An emergency fund? Christmas? A down payment on a home? Put a name on it! Open a savings account and actually name it. When you see why you’re saving, it motivates you to succeed.
Break up your goal into manageable bites.
Let’s say you’ve decided to save $1,500 by the end of the year. For some people, that might seem insurmountable. But think about it this way - if you start saving on February 15th, you’ll only have to save $28.84 each week. Suddenly, your goal seems much more attainable.
Set up a direct deposit.
It’s so much easier to save money if it never reaches your wallet. Arrange to have a set dollar amount or percentage deposited directly into your new savings account. You’ll be amazed at what a difference this one step will make.
Track your progress.
Each month, take stock of what you’ve accomplished. Celebrate your victories, and if you didn’t quite meet your goal – DON’T QUIT! Just get back on track the next week and keep moving forward.
If you’re not sure what you can reasonably save, TTCU has Certified Credit Union Advisors at all our locations. We are here to help you in every aspect of your financial life – whether it’s learning how to budget, helping you achieve your financial goals or just helping you open your new savings account – we have your back.