The other day someone on our WhatsApp contact list posted something and it was along the lines of ‘The money I am saving is saving me’. That statement hit hard because indeed the cycle of saving is like that: one moment you are proud of yourself for saving and the next, the purse is literally empty.
One minute you’re feeling like a financial guru, and the next, you’re staring at your empty wallet and wondering where all the savings went. Let’s not even start with the guilt one feels, ugh.
I’ll start– every time I spend money on something ‘non-essential’, guilt washes over me. A fancy coffee? Guilt. Order takeout? Guilt. It’s as if every ruble spent comes with its own guilt trip, reminding me that I could have saved that money for something “better”—like that rainy day that never seems to come.
Well, we have a few tips that can help you make life easier and avoid getting caught up in the struggle of saving:
- Budgeting
Yes, we’ve heard it a million times but creating a budget really keeps you in check and helps avoid impulse purchases. Not having a budget is the first step toward spending wildly. Make your budget REALISTIC and solid. Budget enough to cover your needs and you will see that your savings will almost always remain intact.
- Temptation Trap
Saving money is all about resisting temptation, yesss. You walk past a store and there are things on sale. The thought of buying just one pair of shoes or jeans crosses your mind, but trust me, if you succumb you will come out with more than just a pair of whatever and also a dent in your purse. Take my advice, if you did not plan for it, don’t buy it.
- Savings Account
I remember one time I literally locked up my money and couldn’t access it. Having this in mind, I had to live on what I had left. I am not saying you should lock up your money o, but you can save your money and keep it in such a way that it is not readily accessible to you. This will curb your spending and keep your money, especially if you don’t have a lot of self-control.
- Savings Goal
Setting an investment or savings goal can act as an excellent motivation to keep you from spending frivolously. If there is a target for your savings, it helps you focus and comforts you that you are keeping your money for a better cause. But then, make sure you set realistic saving goals.
If you’ve made all these high and lofty resolutions about money this new year, you are probably not alone. But you know how it goes– the year runs along and so you also forget all that January energy. In the end, the struggle to save (or even to be financially responsible) is real, but it’s also part of adulthood.
Have a lovely week ahead folks.
