Saving is so hard

Started by Dinlitha B.
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Dinlitha B.

At times I find myself trying to save and it almost seems impossible because something almost comes up. How do I managed this?

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Shaina P.

Create a budget that includes the things that typically throw you off budget. Car repairs seem to be the biggest culprit. I budget to save 10% of Blue Book value every year. For 2020 I determined my car is worth $5k so I set a savings goal of $500. If my car ever needs repairs that cost more than its worth, I have enough saved to either buy or put a hefty down payment on a new (used) car.

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Tonyelle D.

its super hard to do this i try my hardest everyday i need help in every way

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Elena B.

You may need to reevaluate your budget to see if you have a spending issue or an income issue. Then make sure to include savings as a category in your updated budget. From your post, you may need a sinking funds or planned expenses category to cover infrequent expenses.

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Diamond H.

Try using a budget worksheet (excel has some) and put in everything you spend in a month as well as y ou or income. Seeing it on paper might help you cut out some unnecessary spending.

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Andy D.

Create a budget and have a goal in mind. Post that goal somewhere so you have a constant reminder. For example, X-Mas is almost here and you need a new pair of shoes or a toaster oven. Set aside $5-$20 a week and don't touch that money. Keep putting that money in every week, Start out small and eventually put in more money. Stay on a consistence base like $5 dollars a week. Now it should be easier because you have automatic scheduling to deposit money in a savings.

I know this is going to be tough at first but consistency makes it work. If you cannot find a way, you would have to eliminated non-essentials such as, Netflix/Hulu, eating out, online shopping, etc.

For me I tend to follow to aggressive saving 40% percent gross income. This is how I do it. Let's say my income is 5000 I immediately save 2000 aside and the rest for rent/food/phone/gas. I know this is very, very tough to do. This is just an example.

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Devin B.

With the economy today can't seem to get ahead. So many bills working with unemployment

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M K.

I get it. Sometimes it's impossible to save. If you don't earn a lot, and your car breaks down or your furnace or your plumbing or you get sick, you're just plain screwed. Check out the forum topic named "Side Hustles" on Saver Life. Other SL members have shared lots of different ways that they pick up a little money here and there. I started doing a couple things in May and have been able to save/earn over $1100 since. I also started working towards a "Zero Waste" lifestyle a few years ago where I try to use what I already have, buy second-hand, cook from scratch instead of buying expensive pre-made products or eating out, and find ways to re-use or repurpose things that I'd otherwise throw away, etc. I evaluate everything I purchase as to whether it's something I really need, if it will last a long time, and if it's worth the energy and resources it took to make it. Small examples are that I switched from expensive cleaning products to vinegar and baking soda; and I used to buy paper napkins but switched to cloth napkins that I found at a yard sale (still new with tags!) and have been using them for years now. People always compliment my clothes, but they don't realize I get almost everything at thrift stores. It started as a way to help the environment, but I ended up spending A LOT less. Now it's kind of like a game for me to see how creative I can be and how much money I can save. If you're interested, there are lots of communities on Facebook that help out with ideas.

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Jason D.

There's lot's of great information from this site. Build a budget, adjust as necessary, and include some savings.

You can do it!
Good luck!

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Carolyn D.

This website has a lot of really great information. It teaches you how to plan and save starting small and building. You should try it out.

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Kassiel G.

You're definitely not alone on feeling that way! Sometimes, when I get incoming money on venmo or PayPal from friends, even if it's just $5, I don't send it to my bank automatically. I'll wait a few months so that balance gets a little larger. And then I'll transfer it directly into my savings. It's mainly a mind trick for me: If I don't see it in my account, it's easier for me not to spend it/believe I have some extra money, and then I'll send it directly to savings. Maybe that will help? Good luck!

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Jacqueline G.

Let's do it and save money for emergencies. I want to be in a comfortable place.

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Lori S.

I'm on a fixed income and find it extremely difficult to save, get ahead, or break even. I have some obligations that I have automatically taken out of my monthly income. I get the things I absolutely need and only have one splurge each month in the amount of $10.49. My daughter always seems to need help and if I don't help, she threatens to move and not tell me where which would prevent me from having a relationship with my grandkids. My daughter is 23 and is very manipulative. I have been, or allowed myself to be, manipulated by her since she was a child. Anyway, I can't seem to stretch the money after my obligations are paid, let alone save. It seems easy enough on paper, but, applying limits and actually sticking to a budget, is really quite difficult.

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Ming C.

One step at a time. Small goals at first but slowly increasing it.

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