Savings Strategies

Every new year, resolutions about better financial management are made. But how do you start saving and keep at it? Here are 10 tips to help you.

1. Pay yourself first. Think of your savings as a bill, like rent or a utility. When you pay your monthly bills, put a fixed amount into your savings account.
    
2. Use payroll deduction. Have your employer deposit a fixed amount from your paycheck into your savings account. If you never see it, you may not miss it.
    
3. Pay installments to yourself. After you pay off a loan, like a car loan, continue to make payments by putting that amount in your savings account.
    
4. Collect loose change. Collect your spare change at the end of every day. Deposit it in a savings account every month.
    
5. Break a habit. Give up smoking, coffee or soda and save the money you would have spent on it.
    
6. Pack your lunch. Bring your lunch to work instead of eating out and pocket the $5 or so savings each time. Just doing that once a week would save you at least $20 a month.
    
7. Pay credit card bills in full each month whenever possible. Don’t add interest charges to the cost of an item. Charge only what you know you can pay off the next month.
    
8. Pay more than the minimum on your credit card. If you’re carrying a balance, paying more than the minimum will help you retire that debt more quickly.
    
9. Use the “two week rule.” To avoid impulse buying, wait two weeks before making a major purchase.
    
    And the most important tip . . .
10. START SAVING NOW. Use a method that appeals to you, and if that one doesn’t work, try another one.

Your credit union can help you with various savings options, and automatic transfers and payroll deductions, so contact us for assistance.