Saving for something special can seem impossible when you are on a tight budget, even with clever saving hacks. But we all have those wishes. Special things for which there is just no room in the budget you created. And still, anyone wants something to look forward to, a new piece of cloth, a city trip or going to a fancy restaurant. You name it. Try this easy saving hack for some guilt-free fun!
Find a way to save that does not hurt
There are times when you really have no extra money to play around with. Everything that comes in is needed to get by. I so get it!
But still, you can find ways to save a little bit here and there. I had to come up with a painless saving hack when I felt there was no saving margin any more.
One way to do so is playing the Change Trap Game. After some time, without pain, it adds up and you have set aside a little extra cash.
Saving hack: Trap your change for something special
Every time I buy something and pay cash I put some of the change into one of my special change saving boxes. Right now I have three of them: One for the next Holiday to come, one for our summer trip to Morocco, one that goes into the little one’s saving account at the bank. Great way to keep change trapped: The first two boxes cannot be opened. I cannot open them without destroying them. So I will most probably not get there to get myself a nice Café Latte. The last one has a built-in counter so I exactly know how much is in there.
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Without even noticing, a little extra cash builds up for those special occasions or to back up the saving account. Use a saving tracker to watch your savings grow.
Sometimes I try deviations from merely putting change money in there. For example, I made it a rule that every 1-Euro-coin I find has to go in her box. Or you could resolve to a saving challenge using cash.
Saving motivation: Have a picture of what you want
I mean this literally. Draw or print a picture of what you want if you are saving for something special. Put this picture on your saving box. Then enjoy that with every little extra you put in your box you move closer to get what you wish for. With this extra motivation, the change trap saving hack works even better.
Picture yourself getting your longed-for item and paying cash for it. No guilty feelings! Or imagine how good it will feel to buy everything for the holidays without stressing the budget you created for your family. Because you are prepared. Or how much fun you and your family will have on that guilt-free trip.
Or you will finally have something to give to others despite a tight budget.
Get creative to save even more
Sometimes I find myself wanting little extras when shopping. For example, I see a bar of chocolate or yet another office supply (I can’t seem to get enough of pens and paper) and want to grab it.
Then I ask myself if I really want to spend on that or rather have some more for my [enter special wish] saving box. Most often this keeps me from buying unnecessary stuff. So this saving hack is a spending less hack, too.
Also, it helped me realize that with every shopping trip came extra expenses. Things that were not on my shopping list! Therefore, I try to pay cash whenever possible and don’t bring too much money with me.
When I find myself spending less than expected, I put the extra into saving.
In addition, I cut back on things like coffee to go. After I had my daughter I soon got used to having a Frappuccino each time we went for a walk. Then I found out how easy and frugal it is to make my own at home. Now I even like my own better than the store-bought ones.
Just start saving now
Just start setting up your first saving box today. There is no excuse! Of course, you won’t be able to buy a fancy car next month. But don’t let foul thoughts stop you. You probably won’t even notice that your change is getting trapped. And over time it will add up.
What do you save for? And what tricks have you come up with to put away a little extra?
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