It is much easier and more enjoyable to take the income, the money we have earned and worked hard to receive, and spend all of it every month — purchasing whatever we want and not thinking about the future. The problem, when it comes CMD368 to money, is that we just aren’t planning and putting away enough. According to a study by Ramsey Solutions conducted in the second quarter of 2023, 33% of Americans have no savings at all, and 51% do not have savings of at least $1,000.1

That’s a pity, because there are so many reasons to save for the future. The future doesn’t just have to be retirement — the future is tomorrow. Saving means allowing a break from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle or allowing for a big purchase down the road, like a vehicle, vacation, or house. Living paycheck-to-paycheck, surprisingly, isn’t just something that happens to those earning lower incomes, but to anyone unable to create a budget and follow it, in addition to to making savings goals and reaching them.

Between today and the conclusion of our income-earning days, a lot can and will happen. We might lose our job(s), take a pay increase or decrease, move, or become unable to work. Strategizing about the income we make now to devise plans for the future is one of the best things we can do with our hard-earned money.

Specific Steps for Saving

Once you realize the importance of saving and the role that it plays in your life, creating goals is the next step to stay on track. Part of setting financial goals is making sure you can meet them. You can use an online savings calculator, for example, to make sure your needs align with your plan.

Armed with the education and tools to create realistic goals for your money, it is time to find and dedicate the money to reach your goals.

1. Make a Budget

The first thing you need to do is have a budget and stick to it. This includes being realistic about your household financial situation and setting honest and attainable numbers corresponding to your spending so that you can save. Saying you will save and thinking about saving is not enough. You will have to be intentional about what you do with your money.

2. Understand the Concept of Cash Flow

You need to understand cash flow: what it is, how it works, and what your personal household outgo looks like. Review your income and expenses and see where your spending habits lay. Be intentional about making changes to things you can in order to have money available to save.

3. Work With Your Partner

If you are married or live with someone, communication and teamwork concerning your household finances are crucial. To save, you both need to be on board with your desires, plans, and resources. The best-laid plans without everyone on board will meet turmoil.

4. Distinguish Between “Want” and “Need”

Understand the differences between needs and wants and identify yours. Be able to say no when something doesn’t align with your financial goals, today and in the future.

5. Make It Automatic

Automate savings so the money stays. If you wait until the end of the month to save, the likelihood will be that there is not much left to save. Make it automatic and have money deposited straight out of your paycheck, or have a portion go into a savings account whenever you make a deposit. If you have a few savings objectives, you can track the money you put into each account and put it through one account or use a few different savings accounts open for various goals. When you see your savings’ growth, you are more likely to keep it there.