If you want to save, it's going to take some work at first. You have to become disciplined and really make a commitment to saving. Start by establishing a savings goal and then working to reach that goal. Think "pay your self first." The first transaction you make out of your paycheck should be to your savings. It will take that money out of your reach first thing. Too many people say that they will put what is left over in savings. That doesn't happen very often. Remember another saying, "out of sight, out of mind"? There are many ways that you can automatically save. Your bank can automatically withdraw the money from your checking account and deposit it in your savings or CD each month. Mutual fund families will also do this if you prefer mutual funds. The U.S. Treasury's Easy Saver plan will automatically debit your checking or savings account to buy savings bonds. Where you invest your savings depends on what your goal is for the money. If you are saving for retirement, a traditional or Roth IRA account may be the best place to put your money. Short term goals require a different investment strategy for saving than long terms goals like retirement. When you are investing for the long term you are able to accept more risk. Short term market investments aren't made in stocks and bonds, but usually in liquid accounts. The most difficult aspect of savings is getting started. Once you get started and keep going, it will become like any other bill you pay. You should see success if you pay yourself first and put the money out of sight. |
