When it comes to saving money, the biggest hurdle for most folks is the lack of available cash after paying all of the bills every month. Fortunately, this seemingly impossible problem is easily fixed by paying yourself first — not your creditors. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking advantage of your employer’s automatic 401(k) paycheck deduction.
The bottom line: Whether you’re saving for retirement or big-ticket discretionary items, or building an emergency fund, paying yourself first makes the job easy. Best of all, once you get in the habit, you won’t even miss it.
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I would cut discretionary spending before creditors! Start small to establish a savings account and add to it over time.
Isn’t that the idea behind “pay yourself first?” Set aside for savings goals, then pay the creditors in full and on time, and what’s left (if any) is discretionary.
The point is to change one’s thinking around, so that discretionary spending takes a lower priority than either paying bills or savings.
The devil is in details
You nailed it, DC. If you pay yourself first (which does NOT include your discretionary spending, but instead is intended for your savings), followed by your creditors second, you’ll end up controlling your discretionary spending by default — assuming you make sure you are always spending less than you earn. 🙂
We auto deduct the 401k contribution so we have a smaller amount to spend each month. I think that’s good because it forces us to learn to live with a smaller budget.
We were always taught as teenagers to spend half and save half. This worked well when you lived at home with no expenses! In today’s world, you’re right…it’s easy to put everything else before saving. Another trick…when standing in front of that item you’ve just got to have in the store, try to refrain from buying it, then write yourself a check in the same amount. You’d be surprised how much you can save—and how little you really needed that “must have” item.
I like the spend half / save half philosophy. As for the savings trick: what a creative way to save money, Karen!
This is the best way to save by a mile. Once you get into the “Wants and Needs”, your paycheck is long gone.
Very true, Bret.
I always funded my IRA. When I went from being an engineer to a public servant, I took a 50% pay cut. I started under one pension plan, and was forced into another. So, I got a late start on my 401K. I had my 401K contributions automatically deducted. I had a certain amount transferred from the checking to savings on the 1st and 15th of every month.
My tithe was written out, and given on the day before payday. I tried to scrape some up to give to other causes.
I got so used to living on a lot less money that overtime was used for travel, and luxuries. I retired with a 32% cut in income, and haven’t wanted for anything. I even have a $400 surplus most months.
A simple lifestyle has great benefits. I went back to cooking basic nutritious food, and lost over 20 lbs. in 6 months. I learned that from Mr. Dave. (He pays me a nickel each time I mention him.)