Mastering the Lifelong Skill of Saving

As human beings, we all have a strikingly intimate relationship with money. From the day we are born until the day we die, we are constantly in pursuit of it. We work hard, find ways to earn more, and often scrimp and save to stretch our dollars to the maximum. However, despite the importance of money in our lives, most of us aren’t taught how to manage it effectively – particularly the art of saving.

Saving is a lifelong skill and habit that is essential for financial wellbeing. Whether you are just starting your journey or trying to reset old habits, it is never too late (or too early) to start implementing positive behavior changes. In this article, we will explore tangible and intangible ways to introduce a savings mindset to children and young adults, release negative emotions, and jumpstart your savings journey.

Introduce Children and Young Adults to a Savings Mindset

It’s essential to teach children about the benefits of saving at a young age. Encouraging positive attitudes towards money and illustrating the advantages of savings helps develop a good foundation for their financial journey. Parents can give children hand piggy banks or a savings account as a birthday or Christmas gift. Making family financial values clear, including budgeting and savings objectives, also helps shape their understanding of the role of money.

Giving young adults access to information and resources is also key to creating a positive relationship with money. For example, understanding the significance of creditworthiness and the impact of the decisions they make on their future can help them make informed choices.

Eliminating Negative Emotions About Money

Everyone has a story about their relationship with money that directly influences their actions. If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not good with money,” it’s likely that a deep-seated belief is affecting your financial behavior. It’s essential to identify these stories and replace them with positive ones to break the cycle and make significant changes.

It’s necessary to reflect on your connection with money and try to identify patterns in your spending habits. Many people feel shame or regret when they don’t meet their financial goals, which can lead to anxiety about money in the future. Instead, change your approach to money by visualizing your goals and creating a positive association with saving.

Jumpstarting Your Savings Journey

The first step in jumpstarting your savings journey is to assess your financial situation honestly. You will need to determine your net worth, understand where your money is going, and where you want to be in the next year, five years, and ten years. Be sure to set goals that are achievable so you can reach milestones and celebrate the small victories.

Part of the process is finding ways to reduce your expenses, and one of the best ways to do this is through effective budgeting. Cutting back on unnecessary expenses, such as subscription services or eating out, can create significant savings that you can allocate towards your goals.

Building Your Savings Habit

The key to building a savings habit is consistency, and starting small is essential to creating momentum. Begin by setting a small goal, like saving $50 a month, and build from there. Create easy-to-follow guidelines that will give you confidence as you work towards your goals, such as committing to a savings plan, automating your savings transfers, and finding accountability support through friends, family, or even savings communities on social media.

In conclusion, developing a savings habit is a vital lifelong skill that requires consistent effort and determination. Starting early or reevaluating your current habits can lead to significant positive changes that lead to financial security, freedom, and peace of mind. Introducing a savings mindset to young people, releasing negative emotions, jumpstarting your savings journey, and building the habit of saving can all contribute to financial stability and wellbeing. Remember, it is never too late or too early to begin your journey towards financial independence.

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