How to Stay Disciplined with Your Savings
- Just do it! Pay yourself first!
- Gather all important financially-related documents and receipts to a central location. File them so you will be able to easily find the items you need in the future. Consider a computer based financial program so you can keep track of every dime you spend – financial control is a special form of power!
- Spending every dime and more? Start by cutting back on a few items per week and putting away that money. Pay yourself first. Just say no to spending more than you have.
- Ask for direct deposit at work if they offer it – you’re saving money, and you don’t even see it. A savings plan at work that pays you a “matching contribution” is the fastest way to save. Pay yourself first!
- Do not use credit cards. Force yourself to pay cash so that you can track the dimes. You will never have a late payment (now as much as $75) and you will never pay interest to others at the very high rates credit cards charge.
- Financial freedom will be worth everything you put into it. Don’t want to work forever – choosetosave®!
- Not modifying your spending habits and committing to save money.
- Not taking advantage of your company’s match in a 401 (k) plan, or getting involved in a defined contribution plan.
- Not appropriately/correctly allocating your assets to meet a specific goal or time horizon (diversification is important).
- Not setting a specific dollar target or financial goal.
- Not knowing how much you have, where you are spending your money, and how much you need to save for the future (failure to plan for retirement).
- Cashing out your retirement plan – should roll over to an IRA or your new company’s retirement plan.
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