Today, I've noticed that many of us are afraid of saving because we think we do not earn enough to save. However, do you know that if you have a plan in place and stop thinking that saving is hard you can get started on your saving journey? All you need is just to get started. Spoiler alert: If you wait for the “right time” to roll around, it’s never going to show up. The best time to start saving is right now. How do you get started? This blog post will give you a step-by-step guide on how to develop a simple yet strategic and realistic plan that will help you save for both short and long-term goals. 

5 saving tips you should practice 

1. Keep track of your expenses: This is the first step to take if you're planning to save better this year or start your savings journey. Figure out how much you spend regularly, weekly, monthly, etc. This way you can keep track of what's taking your money the most and the least. After you've gathered your data, organize the numbers by categories, such as groceries, gas, etc, then total the amount. Make sure you include everything and keep records. You can do this with a pen or paper, an app, your smartphone, etc. Then, what next?

2. Create a budget: The next thing to do is to create a budget. Your budget will make you plan your spending and limit overspending. You also have to include the "Savings category" in your budget and aim at saving an amount you feel comfortable with, not the one you will struggle with. If you can't save as much as you'd like, it might be time to cut back on your expenses. Identify the non-essentials, like eating out, entertainment, etc, that you can spend less on. 

3. Set a saving goal: One of the best ways to save money is to set a saving goal. Start by thinking about what to save for___ both in short term and in the long term. Then estimate how much you will need and how long it might take you to save it.

4. Pick the right tools: There are many savings apps and investment companies suitable for both long and short-term goals. Use them to your benefit. You can have more than one but make sure you look carefully at all the terms and conditions, the interest rate, the balance minimum, risks, saving duration, etc. This way, you can choose the mix that will help you best save for your goals. 

5. Watch your savings grow: It's good to keep track of your savings progress. This will help you stick to your personal savings plan, and identify and fix problems faster. Understanding how to save money can inspire you to save better and hit your goals faster. 

To wrap it up, remember that even small savings can add up to a lot of money. You might be surprised at how much extra money you accumulate by the end of the year when you take savings seriously this year. 

Thank you for reading, dear reader. If you find this post insightful, make sure you like it, comment, and share it with your loved ones ❤️.