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For many of us, saving money can seem like an uphill battle. Despite our best efforts at frugality, we always seem to be strapped for cash. There’s no question that cost of living is on the rise in the U.S. Further complicating matters is the fact that wages in many fields have become stagnant, making it difficult for people to keep up with rising rents, property values and food costs. However, while building one’s savings can often prove challenging, it’s by no means impossible. Anyone looking to put away some extra money would be wise to heed the following pointers.
Don’t Be Afraid to Start Small
When working to grow your savings, it’s important to remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Instead of expecting one enormous windfall to kick things into gear, you should seek to start small and gradually build a robust savings account. Placing a small sum into your account each week can be a boon to your personal savings. Case in point – depositing $50 a week will add more than $2500 to your savings per year. Garden State residents on the hunt for savings advice should schedule a consultation with the seasoned experts at Columbia Bank.
Have Fun at Home
Getting out of the house and enjoying a night out with friends can be both fun and liberating. Unfortunately, it can also be very expensive, especially if you hit the town on a regular basis. While it’s perfectly natural to want a break from your regular surroundings, having fun at home is a cozy, cost-effective alternative to pricey nights out. For example, preparing a nice meal and watching a movie with your special someone is a great way to enjoy date night without spending a bundle. Additionally, inviting your friends over to hang out, watch some TV or play games is a fun alternative to getting together at restaurants or bars.
Dine Out Less
Consistently dining out can be a huge drain on your personal finances. Many of us don’t even realize how many restaurant visits we’ve made until getting our credit card bills at the end of the month. So if dining out eats up a sizable chunk of your monthly budget, it may be time to exercise some self-discipline and limit the number of restaurant visits you make in a given month. This also means bringing your own lunch to work and planning dinners in advance. If you’ve grown accustomed to eating out all the time, this will likely take some adjustment, but once you get into the groove of making your own meals, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make this change sooner.
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who isn’t intrigued by the idea of building their savings. Unfortunately, for many of us, putting money away is easier said than done. Depending on your profession, choice of residence and credit history, simply getting by from month to month can prove tremendously taxing. However, regardless of your current financial situation, saving money may be well within your abilities. If a more robust savings account is what you’re after, the previously discussed tips are just what the doctor ordered.
