Why is it so easy for other people to save money without giving in to the temptations of spending their entire month’s salary on things that don’t really matter? Why are some people willing to starve themselves just to follow the latest fashion and gadget trends? Does the former know something that the latter fails to identify and live by? These questions may sound simple but for most people, finding the answers can dramatically improve their lives financially for both the present and future.
To help you get started, we have collected some motivational pieces of advice from people who tried and succeeded to discipline themselves to save money. If you think that you are in the wrong direction financially, it’s not yet too late to follow these money-saving tips to turn your life around. Let’s start:
1. Set your financial goals.
The first thing that you should do is to know what you actually need, financially. Setting financial goals such as what you want to accomplish by following long and short-term goals, how you will make these possible and what are the things that you have to let go of can be really helpful in forming a clear and effective strategy to finally start saving up.
2. Be realistic.
Setting high goals is good if you really are capable of achieving them. Do you have the resources as well as the capacity to achieve your financial goals of let’s say, saving up 50% of your income for a better and financially independent future, or do you have other obligations that also need to be prioritized? Taking other aspects of your life for granted just to save is not always worth it. In trying to aim high, you have to consider if these are practically doable.
3. Make a list.
Making a list is an effective way of organizing your thoughts and keeping track of the things that you need to do before you achieve a fulfilling outcome. For instance, make a list of the things or dreams that you can only achieve if you start being financially responsible. What do you want and what is your ultimate goal? How far are you from achieving them and what else do you need to do? Checklists are important to motivate yourself and let you have a clearer picture of your money-saving strategy.
4. Be patient.
Enjoying the fruits of your labor can take a lot of time, and if we are talking about a fat bank account, it could take years. Fortune also favors the patient, and having the discipline to watch your spending and limit unnecessary expenses so you can set aside enough money for your monthly savings goal, can make a huge difference. Don’t give up; wait for the right time.
5. Change your lifestyle.
Most young people live a financially demanding lifestyle and this is one of the main reasons why it is difficult for them to save up and set aside enough money for the future. Changing one’s lifestyle and getting over the need to spend on fleeting fashion and gadget trends are just two signs of financial maturity. Think about it.
Do you really need to party every weekend? Will it hurt not to update your 1-year old phone to the latest model?
6. Think about the future and be specific.
You only live once, so make sure that you have the financial capacity to live life to the fullest. Thinking about the future and the things that you can achieve can help you start looking at saving money in a better light. It does not have to be a sacrifice or a bad thing to quit your usual money habits.
Do you see yourself owning your own car? Can you imagine yourself building a family of your own, living in your dream home? If you answered no, then you know something has to change.
7. Stay focused.
Sometimes we feel the urge to give up and spend whatever we managed to save and just have fun. It’s tempting to spend an entire year’s savings and buy our dream gadget or that fancy bag at the store but remember that if you do that, you’ll also waste an entire year of effort – and you’re going to disappoint yourself at the end of the day.
Staying focused means having enough self-discipline and personal motivation to pursue a goal no matter how long or how hard it is.
8. Resist peer pressure.
Peer pressure is one reason why an individual does things that they won’t normally do when they are alone – the same goes with someone who badly wants to save money but can’t because of the financial demands of hanging out with friends, going to parties, or shopping. Imagine if you’re hanging out with the right people or convincing your current friends to create a better lifestyle that won’t hurt your pocket?
9. Believe in yourself.
Most people who have never tried saving money in their life would readily accept that they are not the type of person who would have the discipline and initiative to be responsible with their finances. They would easily accept that saving up for a brighter future is a hopeless option and is only done by special people who are ‘mature’ and meticulous enough to follow a long-term goal.
What if I tell you that most people who succeeded in their personal finances were once skeptics like you? They, too, did not believe that properly saving, budgeting and responsibly spending their monetary resources can be extremely difficult and even next to impossible – until they took the first step.
10. Find inspiration, from a person or any success story.
Our mind has the ability to create our own reality and finding a way to let positive thoughts roam free can help us be more optimistic about any aspect of our life. How will we start thinking and living positively? Let other people’s stories inspire you.
For instance, reading success stories and even inspirational articles can help you change your perspective. Believing first in the success of other people will help you visualize your own success.
There are several ways to save money and be a champion in managing your personal finances. Most of these steps are easy to follow, and perhaps the most important thing that you have to keep in mind is consistency. Be consistent, be firm and don’t lose your way. Good luck!
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This is very helpful
Wow i got something that will take me to another level.
I pray for Grace to start saving because irrespective of this article many will still not save.remain blessed.
Yes, it is difficult to save money specially when you have your obligations and you are supporting your love ones financially but even you have a lot of obligations I realized that you just need to have your mind set to have disciplined and priorities so you can now start start saving without hesitations. I also realized that supporting your loved ones financially will not give you a barrier for you to save. It’s just you yourself that will control you on how you spend your money. In this content I’ve learned something and I am now motivated. Thanks for the tips 🙂
This is very helpful. Thanks.
I now see that peer pressure was really my problem trying to make friends happy partying every weekend.
Now after reading this article I really see that I can make it in saving
This has really helped me to be determine. It’s not easy atall. But now I see myself saving.
Thank you so very much,this has been so helpful to me and positive am going to start saving now cause I was very skeptical.now am filled with courage just after reading your article.God bless!