7 Essential Steps to Kickstart Your Savings Journey

Reaching a place of financial security is about consistent daily habits. With a few conscious steps anyone can learn how to begin saving and grow a nest egg.

Step 1: Understand Your Income and Expenses

Do you have a clear grasp of your monthly financial picture? The first step is understanding your income sources, whether it’s from a salary, freelance work, or investments. This should be balanced against your monthly expenses. This simple exercise can help clarify your financial health and reveal areas where you can cut back or reallocate funds.

Income Tracking

• Create a detailed spreadsheet that lists all sources of income, including bonuses and any other income sources.

• Review at least three months of bank statements to ensure you capture all income sources accurately.

Expense Tracking

• Create an extensive list of all expenses, categorized by essentials (mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries) and non-essentials (dining out, subscriptions) - your bank or credit union may have online software that makes this a snap.

• Be rigorous, and don’t forget the occasional expenses, as they add up over time.

Step 2: Budgeting - The Backbone of Savings

A budget is not meant to be restrictive; it's your personalized financial plan. Proactively setting limits and designing spending patterns will put you in control of your financial future. Drafting a workable budget will help ensure that saving is a top priority.

Crafting Your First Budget

• Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to allocate funds to different categories each month.

• Be realistic about spending and adjust your budget as needs and lifestyle change.

Step 3: Open a Savings Account

A savings account is your foundation for safeguarding those hard-earned dollars. Opening one is pretty straightforward, but choosing the right account is a bit more nuanced. Look for accounts with high interest rates, low or no fees, and easy access to your funds. Your savings account is where your money starts to work for you.

What to Look for in a Savings Account

• Research interest rates and compound frequency to maximize earnings.

• Consider fees and minimum balance requirements.

• Look for accounts that offer incentives, such as sign-up bonuses or cashback offers.

Step 4: Automate Your Savings

There is no better way to ensure consistency in saving than automating the process. Set up monthly automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account timed for your regular payroll dates or dates when you receive income. This set-it-and-forget-it strategy ensures a consistent and disciplined approach to saving.

Step 5: Reduce Expenses

You’ve tracked your spending, crafted a budget, and automated your savings. Now, it's time to tackle those pesky expenses. Cutting down on discretionary items is an excellent place to start. Trim monthly subscriptions you don't use, dine out a little less often, and be strategic about planned purchases.

Step 6: Manage Debt

High-interest debt can be an obstacle to financial growth. Prioritize paying off these debts and consider tools like balance transfers or consolidation loans to manage your debt more efficiently.

Debt Management Strategies

• Research and implement a method to pay off your debt systematically. As a general rule, the debt avalanche method, or paying off high-interest debt first, is most often recommended. The debt snowball method. or paying off the smallest debt however, is also effective (source: Investopedia). Meeting with a financial advisor can help determine the best method for you.

• Refinance high-interest debt to loans with more favorable terms.

Step 7: Build an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is your safety net. It prevents you from dipping into your long-term savings or going into debt when unexpected expenses arise. Start with a goal of $1,000, then strive to have three to six months' worth of living expenses saved in an easily accessible account.

Other Considerations for Growing Savings

Not all savings are created equally. You may have different savings goals, from a down payment on a house, a child’s education, a dream vacation, or retirement. Consider maintaining separate accounts or categories within your primary savings account for each savings goal.

Also, sharing your savings goals with someone else can be incredibly motivating. An accountability partner can be a trusted friend, family member, or financial advisor. They will help keep you on track and celebrate your saving successes with you.

Getting started on a savings journey doesn't have to be overwhelming. The key is implementing consistent, well-calculated steps. By following these steps, you can take control of your finances and work towards a more secure financial future.