Don't blow your cash!
Simple, Everyday Things You Can Do to Save Money
Everyone can use a little guidance on how to save more money. Here are some suggestions for simple things you can do.
Set goals. "Saving money now for use in the future gets easier if you know what you want and how much you'll need," said Janet Kincaid, FDIC Senior Consumer Affairs Officer. It helps to set savings goals you can easily achieve. If you want to buy a $500 item within the next year, plan to save $50 a month for 10 months, which is just $12.50 a week. (We're not including any "interest" you could earn on your savings.)
Have a strategy for saving money. Every time you receive money—from your allowance, a gift, a summer job or some other source—try to automatically put some of it into savings instead of spending it. That approach to saving money is known as "paying yourself first."
Here's one suggestion: Consider putting about 25 percent ($1 out of every $4) or more into savings that you intend to let build for a few years, perhaps for a down payment on your first car. Separately you can save a similar amount of money for clothes, video games, electronics or other items you might want to buy within the next few months. With what's left, keep some handy for spending money (maybe for snacks or a movie) and also consider donating some of your money to charity.
Cut back, not out. Are you spending $5 a week on snacks? If you save $2 by cutting back, after a year you'll have $104 to put in a savings or investment account that earns interest.
Other ways to Save Money
-Try to eat before leaving the house- buying snacks or take-out food can really add up for teens!
-Try buying clothes at a thrift store or a second-hand store. You'll be amazed what you can find!
-Make a budget and stick to it!
Want more ideas for saving more and spending wisely? Browse the menu at right for more information about managing your money.
