Everybody knows they should be saving more. But saving isn’t always easy. You have bills to pay and mouths to feed. Compared to making ends meet, saving just isn’t a priority.
But it should be — a savings account gives you the financial freedom to take vacations, buy a home, or retire early. It’s also there when things take a turn for the worse — like when you lose your job or face an expensive household repair.
If you’re having trouble squirrelling away some extra cash in your savings, check in with this guide. It shares simple actions that promise to pay off!
Follow a household budget
A budget is one of the most helpful tools when you’re ready to start saving more. It tracks how you spend your money to make sure you aren’t overspending in any one area.
Don’t be embarrassed if it turns out you are. A budget is a learning tool. It identifies your worst spending habits, so you’ll notice them and change them.
Regular expenses you don’t need are the worse culprits. They’re nothing but drains on your bank account. Some common ones include:
- Daily coffee
- Takeout
- Movie and concert tickets
- Rideshare trips
Take the time to find out what yours are. Once you cut them out entirely, you’ll have a lot more cash to put towards savings.
Stop paying bank fees
Does your bank charge you a monthly fee to keep a chequing account? Are you charged any time you use an ATM?
Chances are the answer is a resounding yes. Most commercial banks nickel and dime their customers, charging you any chance they get. Over the course of the year, daily banking fees can add up!
You can save hundreds of dollars by researching banking alternatives like credit unions. Credit unions offer the same services you expect from commercial banks but at a lower cost.
All you have to do is become a member, which is credit union speak for customer. Members get access to no-fee chequing and savings accounts, local loans, and high-interest rates on deposits.
As a member, you’re also a shareholder. To see how a credit union shares its profits, stop by Firstcalgary.com today to learn more about credit uniondividends. Any leftover cash is either reinvested in the business to provide cheaper, more flexible options or donated to local causes.
Keep on top of maintenance
After a long week at work, the last thing you want to do is spend your weekend doing chores. But you might want to tackle your to-do list sooner rather than later. Spending some time looking after your house can end up saving you a lot of money.
Preventative maintenance and regular cleaning keep household appliances in good condition for longer.If you keep on top of routine maintenance, you’ll notice when there’s something wrong with your air conditioner or fridge right away.
Catching and fixing an issueearly could help you avoid a costly repair later down the line. It could also save you the massive cost of replacing these appliances altogether.
Your appliances will thank you for their regular maintenance, too. An HVAC system that’s looked after well is more efficient, resulting in lower monthly utility bills.
Lowering your utility bills is just one way you can add more money to your pocket. But it shows just how easy it can be to unearth some extra cash for your savings. Start with a budget and look into changing the way you bank — these new habits could help you save better.
