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Everyone has to start somewhere when it comes to building wealth. Healthy spending habits will pay off in the long run. Here are some hacks for even the most lazy money-saver to help get you on track to saving big.
Conquer With the 50/30/20 Rule
Start by budgeting his income into three categories using the 50/30/20 system. Half goes toward essentials, like housing, bills, and groceries. Thirty percent goes to discretionary spending on entertainment, hobbies, and eating out. The remaining 20 percent gets socked away into savings.
Set Specific Savings Goals
Decide exactly what you’re saving for. You might have a goal to put a down payment on a car or save for a dream trip. Having a defined savings objective keeps him focused and motivated.
Consistency Is Key
“Saving is a marathon, not a sprint,” commented one user. Making regular small deposits is better than dumping in a lump sum when he can. Staying disciplined about saving every month builds good habits.
Assess Your Progress
Every quarter, review your savings progress. If you have fallen behind, skip the happy hour or drop an unused streaming service to stay on track. Assessing progress prevents savings backsliding.
Automate for Success
Arrange automatic transfers from checking to savings so the money moves without effort. Out of sight, out of mind. The cash builds up in the background.
Reward Yourself
Saving requires sacrifice, but sometimes, treat yourself to a nice meal or impulse buy. Completely depriving yourself is unsustainable, he says. Balance is key.
Take Advantage of Your Employer’s 401(k) Match
Many companies offer to match a percentage of employee retirement contributions.
Not taking advantage of this free money is leaving cash on the table. Max out what your employer will match for an easy savings boost.
Side Hustle for Extra Income
Drive for a rideshare service on weekends for added income and use this to save money faster. A side gig nets extra cash that can add up over time.
Take the 30-Day Test Drive
“The 30-day rule is a simple method to control impulse spending,” said one user. For example, if you have an impulse to purchase something, jot it down on a list. After 30 days, review the item you wrote down 30 days ago. If you still want it purchase it.
Go Cash Only for Forced Savings
“I saved a ton of money when I used the cash-only budget system (for everything except bills, which I paid online),” one passionate user commented.
Level Up Your Income
Sometimes all it takes is finding a better employer. You can do the exact same type of work you’re doing, but some employers will happily pay you more.
Save Your Tax Refund
Resist the urge to spend your tax refund. This refund offers the chance for forced savings. Instead, put the whole amount away rather than succumbing to lifestyle inflation.
Get Creative with Savings Challenges
Try a no-spend week or a $5 bill challenge. Creative tricks keep saving fun.
Pay Down High-Interest Debt
Focus on eliminating high-interest debt first before pumping up savings. Interest payments are like leaks in your financial boat—plug them before stashing cash.
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