SafeAmerica Credit Union

saving

• By Kevin Alvarez

Saving Money Isn’t a Luxury – It’s a Necessity

Information brought to you by our partner, GreenPath Financial Wellness

4 Reasons to Start Saving Now - Plus Tips for Getting Started

Saving money can often be a challenge — especially during times of financial uncertainty. As humans, we’re wired to take care of our needs now, and worry about later ... well, later. However, saving money is a critical component of financial wellness. Here, we break down why saving (even a small amount) can make all the difference:

Saving Helps to...

Prepare us for emergencies

Putting aside a set amount each month helps protect us in a financial emergency. Perhaps it’s a surprise medical bill, car repairs, or temporary loss of income. There are many reasons why an emergency fund is critical to help handle unexpected expenses. Plus, building up emergency savings to cover unexpected expenses is better than using high-interest credit cards or taking out a loan. An emergency fund gives you peace of mind and prevents you from going into debt.

Set us up to manage planned expenses:

For those anticipating making large purchases, saving money can help us prepare our budget to pay for expenses that we plan to take on–such as a down payment on a car, home improvements, or an upcoming vacation. Emergency savings are also useful for smaller cash outlays like costs for pets, car maintenance and other important bills Here again, by saving up for planned purchases whether they be the significant expenses or lower cost items, we can avoid using high-interest credit cards or taking on other debt. When you plan ahead, you take control of managing your monthly income.

Reduce Stress:

Financial stress is real. It can be overwhelming to have bills and expenses that we struggle to pay each month. In fact, many researchers see a significant connection between financial stress and mental health and well-being. During the ongoing pandemic, financial strain is felt by the newly unemployed, furloughed, and those still working but facing an uncertain future. When you build up savings, you reduce the stress many of us feel about our finances and give yourself a gift–peace of mind.

Provide a sense of freedom:

Gaining a sense of freedom might not be the first reason that comes to mind as a benefit of setting up a savings plan. Yet many of the people who contact GreenPath Financial Wellness report enjoying a sense of improved freedom and flexibility after building up savings, no matter the amount. Setting aside even $20 a paycheck is proven to provide a feeling of freedom due to the "buffer" savings "nest egg" exists gives people more freedom to choose how to handle their finances, rather than feeling stuck in a particular situation.

 

How to Jump-Start Your Savings

1. Assess your budget.

Use GreenPath's Budgeting Worksheet to get a  handle on your monthly income and typical expenses, including credit card debt or other loan payments.

2. Commit to a monthly savings amount.

Once you have a complete picture of monthly income, expenses, and debt, consider how much you can set aside each month to build up savings. How much you set aside will depend on your financial goals. For instance, if you're planning for a large purchase, break down the amount over a 6 month or 12-month period, and automate savings to meet that goal.

3. Automate your savings.

Automating your savings makes it more "painless." You'll be able to set it and forget it, by paying yourself first through automated deposits.

4. Maximize Interest

Ensure you're maximizing the interest you're earning by getting a competitive annual percentage yield (APY). Consider a money market or other higher interest account.

5. make it a family affair.

Setting a savings goal with loved ones lets you come to a consensus about goals and dreams. That way, it is easier for you all to plan and encourage each other to save for emergencies, planned expenses, or other goals.

Saving for your future is closer than you think.

Building savings can seem like a daunting task, but you will start to see results with practice and patience.

If you're unsure how much you can reasonably save each month or need a helping hand getting started, you can request a free financial health assessment with a GreenPath NFCC-certified Financial Wellness Expert.

Our professional, caring coaches will work with you to assess your situation, explain the options or solutions available, and help you create a plan to meet your goals. It's free, confidential, and no pressure.

For additional insight view an on demand webinar: 10 Ways to Start Saving Money.

Learn More

• By Lisa Eddy

The Science of Saving

Saving your money isn’t always easy, especially when you don’t have a lot to spare. After paying all your usual expenses, there may be very little “fun” money at the end of the month. When we do find ourselves with some extra cash, like a tax refund, many of us rush out to buy those shoes or that electronic gadget we’ve been eying for months instead of putting it into our savings.

Why do we do that? Why do we spend the money we planned on using for our future?

We can blame it on our brains. Behavioral science has shown that humans are hard-wired to act on impulse and that it takes conscious thought to delay gratification. It’s also much easier to focus on the present than our future.

To help you save for your future, behavioral science suggests visualizing yourself as you might look when you’re older. For instance, if you want to save for retirement, imagine yourself at age 67, living comfortably, maybe travelling the country, or having the time and the means to do something you’ve always wanted to do. According to a study done in 2014, this technique works. The researchers took photos of 50 college students and digitally altered each person’s photo to make them look 70 years old. The participants were instructed to study the photos. Then they were told to imagine receiving $1,000 and were asked how they’d like to use the money: buy something now for a special person or for extravagant night out, or put that money into a retirement fund. After seeing a photo of themselves at 70 years old, the majority allocated more of the money to their retirement fund than to the other options.

Another way to help you save for your future is by making it a habit. Start with small goals. For instance, commit to putting a certain amount, say $10, into a savings account every week. If you have direct deposit, you might want to consider setting up an automatic transfer of $10 into your savings account every time your paycheck is deposited. Over time, you can gradually increase the amount by a dollar or two.

Teach Your Children How to Save

To help your children get into the savings habit, start by having them cut out pictures of something they’d like to have someday and post the images where they’ll see them often. Then help them open a savings or certificate account at SafeAmerica Credit Union. Encourage your child to make regular small deposits each week. Tell them their money will earn interest while it’s in their account. If they keep this routine going, they’ll quickly see their savings grows.

• By Lisa Eddy

Strategies to Make College More Affordable

With the price of college still on an upward trajectory, families are looking for ways to make higher education affordable.

According to “How America Pays for College,” a report by Sallie Mae, the average American family spent $23,757 on college costs in 2017.

Here are some ways families are reducing their college costs:

  • Live at home.

    The report found 50% of students live with their parents or relatives.

  • Cut the pricey top picks.

    Nearly 70% of families eliminated colleges during the application process due to their high price tags, up from 58% in 2008. About 73% are choosing an in-state school.

  • Take a student job.

    At least 76% the students surveyed reported planned to work while in college, with 55% working year-round.

  • Finish quicker.

    Nearly 26% of students enrolled in accelerated courses while in high school to pay for fewer semesters in college.

  • Use grants and scholarships.

    Families reported covering about 35% of their school bills with grants and scholarships—the biggest portion of their payment sources. About 87% of these scholarships come from the schools.

  • Start a college-savings plan.

    In 2016-17, 13% of families used the 529 tax-advantaged college-savings plan, with an average amount of $10,031.

SafeAmerica Credit Union can help.

We're your local credit union and we're here to help.  Did you know SafeAmerica Credit Union offers affordable student loans?  Let us finance your education or refinance your current student loan to save you even more money.  We also award 5 lucky winners a $1,000 college scholarship each year with our annual college scholarship program.  Submit your essay today for a chance to win.


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