Finding the motivation to save can be just as difficult as motivating yourself to diet and exercise. In both cases you know the outcome will be worthwhile — financial security and better health. However, taking the steps to get there is easier said than done.
If you have ever watched the show “The Biggest Loser,” you have probably heard the trainers say that being fit is not about dieting, but about making lifestyle changes that you can stick with over time. As the contestants participate in the challenge, their health gradually improves and their motivation to continue a healthy lifestyle typically increases. The hardest part is usually getting started.
The same is true with saving. While difficult at first, adopting a scheduled savings strategy and making budgeting part of your routine will increase your odds of achieving your financial goals. Identifying those goals is the first step to finding that motivation, so spend some time thinking about what you want your money to do for you. Maybe you are saving for a family vacation, your children’s education, retirement, or all of the above. Make a list prioritizing each goal and put time frames on them.
Next, work on identifying those triggers that keep you from saving money. Just as having chips and cookies in the house can derail your healthy lifestyle, so can mail order catalogs on your coffee table or even a clear view of your neighbor’s new BMW. Toss those catalogues in the recycle bin, put a limit on your Amazon or eBay habit, and start planning a savings strategy.
One of the best ways to stick to your financially fit goals is to make savings automatic. Hopefully you are already deferring money from every paycheck to your 401k. Think about increasing your deferral to put more toward your retirement goal. Then find other savings you can make automatic. Maybe you can set up a monthly transfer into your savings account, Roth IRA, or your child’s 529 plan. This strategy takes some of the work out of saving and automatically curbs spending, as your checking account appears less flush each month.
Lastly, remember that you are not alone. You probably have friends and neighbors who are also trying to stick to a financially fit lifestyle. Work together on finding low cost activities to do, and exchange tips and tricks along the way. You may also want to consider using a professional. A financial planner can help you develop a strategy specific to your needs in the same way a personal trainer can recommend the best exercises for your health and fitness goals.
You can seek out a fee-only financial planner at napfa.org.
