Save Money

blue carDo You Save Money?

My eight-year-old granddaughter earnestly said last week, “I need to save money!” When asked about the goal she was saving towards she said quite dramatically, “My CAR! I ONLY have eight years to save for my car!” Doggone if I didn’t want to laugh but holding that giggle back I congratulated her on planning ahead and starting now!

Locked “Piggy” Bank

silver round coin on white ceramic pig coin bank

Not everyone starts saving for their first car at 8 but it is not a bad idea. Growing up we had a locked “piggy” bank that could only be opened by a banker and had to be deposited in our savings account. Not sure if banks still do that. Whatever the big goal is: down payment for a house, a car, or a big vacation; saving can make that happen!

How to Save MoneyStack of money representing the home sale

There are lots of ways to save money even when money is tight! Saving just a few dollars per paycheck can add up over time. Here are a few ideas! Have your employer take out a little extra in taxes each paycheck to get a bigger income tax return. Pay yourself first from every paycheck, move 5-10% into savings as soon as the check hits the account. There are apps that will round up each purchase to the nearest whole dollar and put the spare change into your savings.

Start With a Budget – Ack! Budget

This is the best advice that I consistently don’t do well for myself! I’ll admit it! But when I do it, it works! First track what you spend (track cash as well as debit/credit purchases) for at least a month to get an idea where your money goes. A budget helps make you aware of where the money is going… It can be a shock to see how much that iced coffee habit adds up! Categorize the budget according to necessities (Iced coffee is NOT a necessity – no it isn’t) and niceties. See if gleaning out a few iced coffees or switching away from a cable provider can save you some money. Now, put that money INTO savings!

Pretty Soon It Adds Up

Once you start saving make it a regular habit! Keep up with that budget, use that app, put the money away, and pretty soon you will have enough for something big. Like buying a house! When you are ready to buy a house, contact me!

Quaint small home with white picket fence

Contact

Kay Lehmann

509-520-1046

Kay@RealtorKayLLC.com

Kennewick- HomeSmart Elite Brokers

7411 W. Clearwater #A
Kennewick, WA 99336

Business Hours: 8a-6:30p M-F, 9a-2p S-S

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