Life Tip 26: Save a Little Every Time You Get Paid

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Saving money is hard. Really, really hard. After all the bills are paid, do you ever wonder where all the money went?

Most people think that you have to have a lot of extra money per paycheck to save. That’s not true.

Building savings isn’t just one decision. It’s about small, consistent habits repeated over time. Saving a little bit from each paycheck can help you reach some financial stability and help reduce stress about money at the same time.

Some things you can do:

Pay yourself first. Set aside a small amount to do something just for you each month. Not a lot, or for anything extravagant, but something small. That way you won’t feel like you never do anything fun and frustrated and suddenly spend a large amount on something stupid (that you can’t really afford)

Start with saving 1% of your paycheck in the beginning. That’s $1 for every $100. That should be easy enough. Starting small is okay because it adds up. If you do it every month, you’re building a habit and the habit sticks.

Saving something, even if it’s a little something, is better than saving nothing at all.

Put your savings in a bank that’s different from the one you use every day. That way, if you can’t see it, you won’t be tempted to spend it.

Try to make your savings automatic. If you don’t have to think about something, it makes it easier. Ask your employer if they can deposit your savings into two different accounts and do it that way.

Just remember, you’re not building your savings overnight. It’s about making one small choice again and again and again. Creating a habit.

Each time you get paid, you need to set aside a little bit for your future self. The amount can seem tiny now, but it will grow over time.