It’s unpleasant having a big wad of money burning a hole in your wallet. You get this overwhelming urge to just spend it, even if it’s on something stupid and unnecessary. But you can’t be blowing all of your money the moment you get it. There are times in life where you need to stick to priorities and stash that money away for later. It can be tricky to resist that powerful spending urge, but luckily, with a bit of mental gymnastics, saving can seem a little less daunting.
- At the end of the week, take any leftover cash or change in your wallet to your local bank and deposit it into a savings account. Unless you have an explicit plan for that money, all its presence is doing is tempting you to spend it. If you don’t need the cash, put out of your own reach.
- When you finish paying off a loan or debt, continue making deposits in the same amount as the payments into your savings. You’ve already got the motivation for regular payments, use that towards something that doesn’t make you want to tear your hair out. Though, only do this if you’re currently living in conditions you’re happy with. Don’t do this in lieu of proper meals or anything like that.
- If you get a raise, put the additional difference into savings. Again, as long as you’re not living in squalor, it won’t have any negative impact on your life, just greater savings. Better to save than blow your raise on a foot soaker.
