We are now well into 2022, and hopefully, you began the year as you have meant to go on when fleshing out your savings. Still, it’s undoubtedly a marathon rather than a sprint when it comes to building your finances, and you may not see the results you desire for some time.
While many people became accidental savers last year due to coronavirus lockdowns, goals such as these do require a degree of strategy and cunning. It’s the little victories that need to be celebrated greatly here, which accumulate into a more magnificent and resounding success.
What are the small ways you can achieve savings goals today? Read on after the jump for some insights.
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Work on Stress Levels
Though financial wellness is important, nothing is more important than your actual well-being. Try to keep that in mind as you map out your savings goals.
After all, anxiety and stress are common when you have financial concerns, so engaging with health resources and seeking support from healthcare professionals is paramount. If you’re feeling depressed for problems that aren’t financially related, then your spending may also suffer later as a result if you engage with things like comfort eating or gambling.
Balance is key here. Managing stress might seem like a huge undertaking, but simple activities like exercise, meditation, and being around others can help you maintain a healthy perspective. When you’re happier and more focused, your savings goals will become much more attainable.
Set Dates
Many people set savings goals. However, they can be somewhat vague in nature, with no structure to enforce them.
Ensure that every saving goal you set has a set date. That way, you can better map your financial trajectory. It may also motivate you into more savvy financial behaviours when deadlines are coming up.
Of course, you shouldn’t put too much pressure on yourself here if you can help it. Otherwise, you may risk undoing your good work when attempting to mitigate your stress level. It may be that some dates can be moved if bad luck strikes. Still, you may be able to save more diligently if you have a rough idea of where you want to be, and when by.
Cancel Your Subscriptions
Much of entertainment these days is fuelled by subscription payment models. Whether its streaming, gaming, or flicking through a magazine, these recurring costs are seemingly everywhere.
It could be a good idea to cutback on the services that you don’t use as frequently. After all, concerns around subscription fatigue have persisted for years, with very few consumers subscribing to everything that’s of interest to them. Most people have a limit, and you likely should too.
Remember that some of these services amount to little more than needing a username and password to gain entry. You may be able to band together with friends and family and share access to one another’s services. That way, you’ll get access to more content for less money, so try to strike up some friendly deals in your network.
Have a Side Project
There are always opportunities to be saving a little bit more than you currently are. For example, referral schemes can top up your efforts rather nicely.
Take a look at the Lebara refer a friend webpage at https://mobile.lebara.com/gb/en/how-to-refer-and-earn. By clicking the link, you can start to earn cash online of up £50 for every successful referral you make to these SIM only plans. The setup is easy with no credit check required, and customers can change or cancel their plan at any time. Convincing loved ones should be easy.
While this is a small way to contribute toward your savings goals, the positive effects of these actions can be profound. After all, you’re potentially improving the life of your loved one’s and supporting businesses who may really need it during this time of economic uncertainty. It all serves as series of excellent motivators.
Sadly, a lot of people who love helping those they care about do struggle to save. They may give away £10 here and there to different friends and family, and have little left for themselves. However, by partaking in referral schemes, you get to keep your money while still being content that you’re helping others. What better way is there to save?
Download an App
There is an app for almost everything in life these days. Managing savings is no exception.
It has long been proven that budgeting apps effectively help people spend, but things can still go wrong here. For instance, you must ensure that you’re only downloading reliable software. Make sure to check the reviews of any app you’re thinking about installing on your device.
Apps can be an immensely supportive tool. You can keep track of your financial objectives, set alerts and reminders, and access informative content and how to refine your spending practices. Obviously, you can also access them on the go, giving you peace of mind no matter where you are in the world.
Many of these apps are free and can be downloaded in an instant. If you use them frequently enough, then they’ll eventually become part of your routine too, seamlessly fitting into your schedule. That sense of familiarty and comfort is detrimental when it comes to savings goals, so you can benefit in those ways too.
Talk with Loved Ones
Savings goals aren’t always a solo effort. Even if you’re trying to control your own finances, other people can influence your spending – especially if they’re family.
Sit down with your loved ones and discuss your savings goals. You don’t have to disclose sensitive information if you don’t want to, but communicating the broad strokes is still a good idea. That way, any partner you have may adopt similar goals so as not to compromise your own. If you have kids, they may be more aware that they shouldn’t pester you to buy them things for the foreseeable future.
Of course, if you need to save more due to struggling, then moral support can be provided here too. It’s much easier to be frugal when others are willing you to succeed, and they’ll make sure to help you lead a fulfilling life in ways that aren’t linked to spending. Things will be much easier from thereon.