Image source: Getty Images
A recent SecureSave survey found that 63% of Americans don’t have enough money in the bank to cover an unexpected $500 expense. If you’re in that boat, then it’s imperative that you do your best to try to build up an emergency fund over time. Having money in your savings account could help you avoid debt when unplanned bills arise.
The idea of building an emergency fund may seem daunting. That’s understandable. And it’s also why it’s important to set realistic goals. If you’re not really in the habit of saving money regularly, you’re not going to suddenly manage to sock away $100 or more every week.
But what if you were to aim for $10 a week? That’s far more doable, even on an average salary. Here are a few steps you can take to add $10 to your savings every week.
1. Cut back on store-bought lattes
Store-bought coffee is a treat, and one you deserve — especially if it’s what helps get you charged enough to tackle your workday. But the cost of those lattes can also add up. A grande-sized Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks might run you almost $6. And if you’re stopping in for one multiple times a week, you may be spending more than you think.
A good way to free up $10 a week for savings is to cut back on those lattes. This doesn’t mean give them up — just buy fewer. If you typically buy four every week, eliminate two. That way, you’re still getting a treat, but you’re also slowly but surely adding to your savings.
2. Dump streaming services you don’t really use
Many of us pay for streaming content we think we need, only to realize it’s been weeks since we’ve logged into our accounts. Do a streaming service audit to see what you’re paying for. If you can dump Netflix and Max, for example, you might end up $40 richer monthly. That’s $10 a week into your savings right there.
Keep in mind that if you have a membership to Amazon Prime, you’re getting access to Prime Instant Video at no additional cost. So even if you do tend to use your Netflix and Max subscriptions, it may be reasonable to shed them to conserve the cash and settle for what’s playing on Prime instead.
3. Be more careful at the supermarket
Groceries are an essential expense. But being a touch more careful in the way you shop could make it possible to shave your costs by $10 a week.
For one thing, plan meals based on low-cost ingredients. You may be able to find whole grains like brown rice at a reasonable price and use them as a base for different entrees.
Also, plan meals around sales. If chicken thighs at your local supermarket are $1 off per pound this week, and you normally buy 10 pounds’ worth for your famous chicken stew, there’s your $10 in savings right there.
4. Do more of your shopping at Costco
Some people join Costco but don’t use their memberships all that often. If you’re paying that fee, and you have a Costco nearby, try doing more bulk shopping there for items your household consumes regularly.
Let’s say you buy fruit, milk, and ground beef on a weekly basis from your local grocery store. If you have a larger household, it could make sense to buy those items at Costco because you may be more likely to use them up before they go bad. And you might end up spending $10 less than you would at a regular supermarket.
To be clear, though, only buy items in bulk that are already part of your standard rotation. Taking a chance on bulk items you hardly use could result in you losing money rather than saving it.
Putting money in the bank is not always easy, so it’s important to set reasonable goals. But adding $10 a week to your savings may be more than doable if you employ these tips.
And remember, you don’t necessarily need to employ all of them. If you’re willing to dump some streaming services, you may not have to cut back on lattes. Play around with different options to see which lifestyle change is least disruptive while bringing about the results you’re after.
These savings accounts are FDIC insured and could earn you 12x your bank
Many people are missing out on guaranteed returns as their money languishes in a big bank savings account earning next to no interest. Our picks of the best online savings accounts can earn you 11x the national average savings account rate. Click here to uncover the best-in-class picks that landed a spot on our shortlist of the best savings accounts for 2023.
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Maurie Backman has positions in Amazon.com and Netflix. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon.com, Costco Wholesale, Netflix, and Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The Ascent Articles
Post Views: 49
