Best Tips to Develop a Healthy Savings Habit (2024)

Step 2: Break the goal into smaller targets:

Once you have thought about what a realistic amount and period is for you, the next step is to break this goal into smaller targets. For instance, if your goal is to save Rs. 12,000 in six months, break this into smaller period of time and amounts. Thus, instead of thinking of saving Rs 2,000 per month for six months, think about saving Rs. 500 per week. Smaller targets are more easily achievable and thus will keep you motivated. This is to create the habit of saving. Once you become accustomed to the habit, you can aim higher and increase the goal.

Step 3: Reward yourself:

Treat yourself when you achieve a target, be it a daily/weekly/monthly target. The reward-punishment psychology will ensure that your behavior of saving is reinforced with the reward. Soon you will be on the way to being intrinsically motivated to save.

Step 4: Open a separate bank account with no ATM, Debit card or Online Banking facility:

This may sound a little farfetched, but think about it, what better way to make sure that you are saving money unceasingly? The new bank savings account will give you a clear picture of how much you are saving. There will be no confusion as to how much you saved each month, and if you are able to keep up with your targets.

Further, the lack of ATM card, debit card and online banking facility will make it that much more difficult for you to spend from that account. So chances are that you will leave it untouched unless you need the money for an important cause.

Step 5: Keep a daily motivator

You have to keep yourself motivated when it comes to saving. You can do this by placing a motivating statement or two in places that you will see every day, many times a day, such as the mirror or in your wallet. This will give you the daily motivation that you need.

Step 6: Benefits of saving

Start a journal. Spend a few minutes daily jotting down all of the benefits that you will receive once you have achieved your goal. Make sure that you also write down how it makes you feel to be able to save and reach your daily/weekly targets. Writing down the benefits will motivate your sub conscious mind and in return help you stick to the routine of saving.

Step 7: Ask a buddy/ family member to help you stay on track

Having someone to keep you motivated when you are not feeling very motivated is a sure way to make you stick to the routine. Pick someone that you are close to, authoritative (if need be) and are sure to help in keeping you motivated. Don’t pick someone who is not close to you because they may not be as comfortable telling you the truth or pushing you when you need it the most.

Sticking to these steps will ensure that you are well on your way of saving that money like you have always wanted to. It may be difficult in the beginning, but you will soon get used to saving and it will become a habit and a natural way of living.

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