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Automatic Savings
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Money Tip: Set Aside What You're Saving on Gas
Gas is now going for about half of what we paid at the pump through the Summer, and the reduced cost is a welcome retreat from the strain that filling up had been causing consumers. We can hope the days of gas price-induced desperation (remember the new dad who named his baby boy after a radio show for a $100 gas card?!) are behind us, and before we go forgetting the damage gas prices did to our budgets, let's take the opportunity to do something with the extra money we're saving.
We managed to make it when our money was going into the tank instead of staying in our bank accounts, which means we might not miss at least some of that disposable income if it was out of our reach.
In-the-Black-Tip: When Saving Takes a Back Seat to Spending
While many retailers started giving their full court press in holiday advertising at least a month ago, most shoppers shift gears to the holidays after Halloween has passed. Well, tomorrow marks the occasion for haunted houses and candy corn, which means November and intense holiday shopping is already upon us. During the holidays, saving often takes a back seat to spending, so here is my solution for ensuring you're left with more than pennies after the season of giving has ceased.
Money Tip: Pay Your Bills on Pay Day
When I was a fresh college graduate earning my first real paychecks, I quickly saw how living in a city like San Francisco isn't made for entry-level salaries. Exploring the city and all of its nighttime gems were certainly priorities, but the biggest priority was to keep myself out of debt while not depriving myself of enjoying my new surroundings.
I struck a balance by forming the valuable habit of paying all of my bills on pay day.
Ask Savvy: In Need of Savings Tricks to Pay Off Debt
Dear Savvy,
I read the Savvy posts almost every day because I am in tons of debt and seriously need help. I'm the type of person that needs actual tricks to save. I have zero willpower when it comes to money.
Savvy ATM: What Is an ING Savings Account?
Building up savings is one of the best ways to set ourselves up for financial success, and the amount of questions coming in lately about ING accounts tells me that you're all on your way! There are a number of online banks out there, meaning they don't have actual branches you can physically walk in to and speak to customer service in person, but ING is a particularly appealing choice to many savers for a few key reasons. Find out what they are when you read more
Savvy ATM: Where to Find Extra Money
There's no real secret to reaching your savings goals, but there is an attitude of commitment that you should consider adopting in order to accomplish them. In order to keep your commitment to save, make it a priority: decide what you will save each month and learn to live on the rest.
This approach ensures that you don't run out of money each month before you get around to saving some, and it means that you don't have to abide by irritating mantras like the latte factor.
Let Your Savings Do the Work
You work hard for your money. Did you know your money can work hard for you, too? Your savings can grow with a savings account with a great interest rate, so you can afford to pile on a few fancy accessories?!
Do You Use Online Banking?
I bank online because waiting in line just isn't my thing. I need the ability to access my account whenever I want and from whatever computer happens to be in front of me.
Our friends at WaMu know your time is precious and make online banking as easy as store-bought pie.
Other Search Results
I'm Asking: Do You Automatically Transfer Funds to Savings?
Putting part of your paycheck aside for savings each month is one of the oldest cash savings tricks in the book, but it isn't always possible. 83 percent of SavvySugar readers admit to being more mindful of their money given the current economy, and that often means setting higher savings goals and being more methodical about where extra cash is put.
Do you transfer funds to savings every month automatically, or do you balance your checkbook and contribute what you can on a month-by-month basis?
Savvy Travel Tips: Handfuls of Miles and Nowhere to Put Them?
This tip was shared by member morganashley in our Savvy Travel Tips group.
Since I like to get a good deal when I fly, I typically pick the cheapest flight even if it’s not my preferred airline, points/miles-wise. Same thing goes for hotels — when I’ve traveled for work, we’ve been directed to particular chains which means I’ve gathered up quite a few points there, too.
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