According to some statistics and economy experts, it seems that Americans haven’t really learned the lesson about the importance of saving money and living within their limits as a population. America still spends way more than they can afford in terms of daily basis expenses and utilities, as well as credit card debt.
Building up the habit of saving up is not easy though, especially when you don’t know how to live on a budget, but there’s no need to worry, as we bring you these 6 ideas that can help you stop the downward spiral of overspending and increasing your savings account.
1. Cut the Cord of Your Entertainment System
That’s why streaming TV services are an option worth trying as they can give you a huge variety of channels, movies and tv shows for half the price of a traditional cable service. However, make sure you install a VPN before you use it, as this will ensure privacy and safety while getting the most out of the web for your entertainment.
2. Track Your Expenses
Tracking your expenses will give you a solid base to start with, as tracing the way in which your income is spent is key to designing a plan that allows you to improve possible blind spots on your spending habits.
Once you’ve done this you will see more clearly in which areas you can afford to cut down expenses, or even consider a second income source if you find out what you earn is hardly enough to get you by.
3. Make a Goal
Coming up with a purpose for doing anything is key to get you motivated when the going gets rough, and the same applies with building up a money saving habit.
Take time to think of something you really have been yearning to do for a very long time like a vacation to some place or buying a house or liquidating some debts. Then write it down and use it as a daily reminder that will enable you to keep your impulsive spending in place.
4. Automate Your Savings
To automate your savings, you can go to the bank and ask for them to take money from your check account each month and transfer it to your savings account. This way you don’t have the worry of being at risk of falling back into your old habits of overspending each time you have money coming in your bank account.
5. Help Yourself with Technology
There are many apps and devices that can help you stay organized and in check. Pick one that is easy to use and comfortable to handle. All this basically means is that if you’re not that keen on relying on your phone or computer, you can utilize more analog tools like an agenda or a bullet journal. These are wonderful options to keep everything in place.
6. Say No to Credit Cards
Learn how to use credit cards wisely and if your situation is quite critical, get yourself informed on what the best way is to pay off your debt, as well as cancelling your credit card.
The good part is that you can start rebuilding your credit history so that you can become eligible for more benefits and discounts, as well as larger loans that will help you with larger projects or goals.