First salaries will always come to you with a euphoric sense of entitlement. And when that thick bundle of cash lands in your hand, you can’t help but want to spend every last paisa of it. But that’s neither practical nor logical. You can enjoy your money without letting your impulse take the steering wheel. Here are some tips on how to save a substantial amount of your salary whist indulging a little.
Save money in separate accounts
If you’re one of those people whose account tends to go empty few days after some money gets deposited in it, it’s time you separate your salary into two accounts—one being your regular account, accessible through ATM, while the other one will become your savings account.
Make yourself understand that you can only spend from your regular account, that’s the only money accessible to you and it’s all you have to spend. Since the savings account will also be less accessible to you, you’ll be getting interest on it. So you’re basically being rewarded for not impulse buying. The more you save, the more you earn.
Save half your salary
This is another tricky one. And for many, a sad one too. But no matter how much you earn, put half of it up for savings. At the time, it might seem like a lot of money. And really, it is. 50% of your salary is half a month’s work and no one wants to give that up.
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But rather than thinking short term, do an analysis. With every two month’s salary, you will be saving a month’s worth of income. Even with the money you do have at hand, try to limit your expenditures. Try to have some savings out of it at the end of each week. It’s not impossible.
Cultivate the right mentality on saving
Saving money isn’t just about accumulating money and dividing the cash. It’s also about controlling your mentality on spending and luxury. See, most of the things you buy randomly don’t even add anything in your life more than aesthetic value.
If you are going to spend on something, do it on things that you absolutely need. Basic needs have to fulfilled one way or the other. You should take care of yourself. But taking care of yourself isn’t throwing money at lavish things. It’s about self-investment.
Rather than seeing what you can buy with your newfound source of income, think of all the ways you can use that money to improve yourself. Do you want those cute shoes over there that you will probably only wear twice a year? Or do you want to save the money instead for the new iPhone you want so much? Every time you spend on something, you’re actually cutting funding from something else that you need. The choice is yours.
Consider secondhand shopping
From thrifting your own clothes to buying used things from other people, savings goes beyond putting cash in a bank. Secondhand books, stationeries, furniture and vehicles might not sound appealing to most but these things, more often than not, work as well as new items. So, don’t shy away from using things that have already been used. Not everything has to be shiny and new to work and serve you well.
If you have trouble finding out where you can buy secondhand things, just turn to your good old friend—Facebook. There are quite a few Facebook groups that have been created for the sole purpose of selling secondhand products at a cheaper price. Whether it be books, vehicles or phones, there is a good market out there that you haven’t explored yet.
Cut down on junk food
This is probably the most practical piece of advice we can give you. And it’s about time you admitted it to. You snack way more than you should. When you’re sitting on your desk at work, when you’re out with your colleagues for a meeting, at college with your friends, at social gatherings, or on your way home from work, you often order food or pop into the bakery for a quick bite, don’t you?
Now calculate all the money you’ve spent just on snacking this month and you’ll finally find the main reason behind your financial woes—your eating habits. It’s time to change that.
Pack food from home. Try to encourage home-cooked meals during gatherings. In fact, try to meet up at your home or your friends’ place rather than going to a restaurant. If you have to order in, look for places that are offering discounts. Rather than exclusive food apps, research restaurants that have delivery systems, especially those that have just started their business and are looking for loyal customers. They often have free home delivery service besides providing good food at reasonable prices.
Have a savings goal
Yes, you heard it. The next time you get your salary, decide on how much money is going to be landing in the savings account at the end of the month. Since it’s impossible to calculate the exact amount, set a margin. And aim for higher. Savings goals encourage you to have a spending plan. It keeps you from shopping impulsively. It gives you an incentive to control your thought patterns and lavish behaviors. And that way, you are less likely to spend on unnecessary things.
