If you are anything like me, you have trouble saving money! Just like most folks I guess. After a lifetime of trying I have finally figured out how I can save some money and not even notice it's missing and with almost no effort at all. That's the best part. Here are some ways that might work for you as well:
1. Limited access to your funds
Open a high interest yielding online savings account, one that is linked to your account but not part of the same bank. Why? Some online banking services (i.e. ING DIRECT) offer you a bonus for signing up at times it's $25 and sometimes it' $50 just depends. That's the start of your savings. Referral bonuses get you more money. Always, a good thing. When your bank account holds your checking and savings it's very easy to transfer money from one account to the other. Sometimes too easy. If we impulse buy and think "Oh, I'll just transfer the money from the savings over - it's an immediate transfer" Stop right there. We've just taken a step in the wrong direction. Easy access doesn't help you save. So, if your savings account requires a few days to transfer over to and back and may even keep a hold on the funds for a few days you will be less likely to impulse shop thus eliminating your need to transfer funds out of your savings.
2. Make the most of your coupon clipping
Coupon clipping is great and it helps you save on the products you normally buy. But if you buy a product just because you have a coupon for it chances are you are spending more money than you need to. Want to make those coupon savings really count? Total your coupons used or sometimes it's on the receipt and put that amount into a savings account or piggy bank instead of just leaving it in your checking account to spend later. If you need to, make a check out to yourself for that amount and deducted it from your checking and slip into the piggy bank. (Since I know some banks charge fees for too many transfers in a month.)
3. Keep the change
My bank has a program set up that allows them to round up to the nearest dollar on every debit card charge I make. Then at the end of the day all that spare change gets transferred into the saving account. So you are making a daily deposit into a savings without even noticing the difference in your checking account. If your bank doesn't offer you this type of program, set one up yourself. Round up all of your receipts to the nearest dollar for the day and put that money into a savings account or piggy bank (which ever works better for you). Even $1.50 a day adds up. In a year's time you will have saved $547.50 just from spare change.
4. Make some extra money and voice your opinions at the same time
Paid online surveys pay you for your opinions. It's not a lot of money but even a few bucks a month here and there will add up. Remember it's all the little extra cash (not regular income) that helps you save.
5. Free Rewards Programs
Sign up for free Rewards Programs at local stores that you frequently shop. I think I'm signed up for every free rewards program in my hometown. I'm also signed up with Upromise to start saving for my children's college when I shop.
6. Skip that last trip
Skip that last trip to the vending machine or convenience store. (Your waistline will be grateful too if you skip these ones.)
These are just a few ideas to help you start saving money.
