Title: Savings: The conflict, dilemma, temptation and
self control
Target Audience: Working
singles who crib when it comes to drawing cash from the ATM machine. That
confused group of people who started earning almost a year or two back and are
still figuring out the sources of their economy drain.
Yes, we are the largest group of people. We love our money
as much as ourselves. We enjoy spending, yet cringe when we go through our bank
account mini statements. We are not overjoyed on the salary day as we know nothing lasts
forever.
Well, not forever,
but if we watch and organize our spending habits, we can certainly make it
stay. When it comes to habits, the spending genes are instilled in individuals from
the beginning. However, it’s thrilling
to have your own money. You no more need to run out of excuses to convince your
parents to increase your pocket money. It
had been so difficult to explain to your ‘not so tech savvy’ father that a smartphone is a need and not
just another hyped extravagance. Mommy would never understand that your desire
to learn guitar was not some rockstar’s imitation, but your genuine love for
music. But now, you’re over all those convincing and pleas. And that’s what thrills each of us. The
decision making power.
But that’s not all.
With money comes expenditure, with salary there are bills and with spending
comes guilt. And what’s the use of all
this money if it cannot keep you happy, I fussed and fretted
every month. I had cut down shopping, yet at the end of the month I had no
major savings. I decided to take this saving thing seriously and after
extensive research on the internet and advice from vast experienced people, I
found interesting tips for successful savings.
Credit plays foul:
Avoid using credit
cards as far as possible. This also goes for buying things on credit. If at
that point of time you are not in a position to buy something, wait until you
are worth it. This way you spend only what you should.
Clear your debts if
any:
The sooner you pay
off your debts, the earlier you start your own savings. Also, there’s no point in paying interests and
fund the rich institutions get richer. Try donations instead :)
Pay yourself first:
Keep aside a fixed
amount on doing things you enjoy doing with your own money. Make a point to
spend the exact amount every month only on things you love to do.
Be prudent:
Foresee the upcoming
vacations and parties and prepare your budget beforehand. This gives you an
opportunity to spend wisely. Last moment reservations and bookings always cost a fortune.
Do you need it:
Set your priorities.
Be it shopping, eating out, entertainment. Go for options that you need rather
than what you like. If you’re hungry buy a corn, not pop corn. (Well, not literally. I love popcorn more :))
Cook for yourself:
This is the best
thing you can do for yourself. Cook the food you like the way you like. This
helps you save on eating out expenses. Also keeping the health and nutrition
factor in mind, ‘ghar ka khana’ helps. Eat out on
weekends for a change.
Redirect
your money:
There
are a lot of firms out there who can give you ample of options to do this for
you. You can open a recurring deposit account for a fixed sum of money that you
think you can save every month. Alternatively, invest in commodities.
Personally I feel gold is a lucrative option, considering the recent leaps and
bounds its price has been ruling in the market.
Make a shopping
list:
When going out for
shopping, enlist the things you need. This saves you from giving in to the
temptation of compulsive shopping disorder :)
Track your expenses:
Though this one may
sound a little old school, but keeping a record of your accounts is still a
prudent idea. It may scare you off to see that the total amount spent on the
trivial things, or just ‘here and there’, goes much beyond what you had
imagined. Keeping an account diary can bring back your shopping and expenses
curve on the track.
You may not agree
with every aspect that I put forth. But as your saving game is going obscure,
pick out the lines that will put your mini statement on the right track. Master
your money before it masters you. Also if any of it works for you, pass it on.
Savings, not too tough is it!!
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