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Struggling to get back into the savings habit? Here are 4 top tips for re-igniting your enthusiasm for saving.
1. Dream big and set yourself a new goal
Whether it’s a trip to a holiday destination you’ve always wanted to visit; the security of having enough money to refurbish your kitchen; or just the security of knowing you have a healthy emergency fund to get you through life’s ups and downs, set yourself a goal – one you really want to achieve.
After all, saving takes self-discipline and motivation, so the more you want something the more committed you’ll be to striving towards it.
2. Track your spending
Forming a savings habit takes practice, so keep savings top of mind by checking your balance daily and being aware of your spending pattern. Download your mobile banking app to your smartphone or tablet for quick and easy access to your transaction account, and a timely reminder of what you’re spending and where.
Analyse your outgoings over the past two months and explore ways where you could cut back on your expenditure. For example, are there opportunities to save by switching service providers? Have you been doing a bit too much spontaneous shopping recently? Or could you cancel any memberships you don’t use?
3. Name your savings account
Make reaching your savings goal seem more tangible by naming your account after your goal. By seeing your savings rise in your ‘Dream Home’ account or your ‘Career Break’ account, you can see your dream become more of a reality every time you get paid.
4. Set up an automatic Direct Debit so you won’t miss it
Minimise the risk of skipping a ‘payment’ to your savings by setting up an automatic direct debit transferring a percentage of your spending money every time you get paid. Enquire with your employer whether it’s possible for a portion of your salary to be paid straight into a savings account, without you even seeing it. After all, it’s harder to miss something you don’t see!
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