We all know that creating a budget is the best way to track your spending and save money. However, some people are not buying into that idea and would rather just wing it as they go along. Well, I’m here to offer those people another way to think: 4 Painless Ways to Save Money Without Creating a Budget.
Save Money Without Creating a Budget
If you follow any one of these four steps, you will save money without having to create a budget. I have used this method with some of my clients and it has worked surprisingly well. I like to think of it as “saving on autopilot”.
The first step to save money without creating a budget is to have a certain percentage of your paycheck automatically deducted from your paycheck before you receive it. This can be in the form of a retirement account, savings account, or college fund. Just be sure that whatever account you deposit to is not easily accessible to you.
The second step is to use a debit card instead of a credit card. When you purchase something with a debit card you are automatically saving because you’re not paying interest on the credit card. This is real money that you are saving. It may not feel like it, but trust me, it is!
The third way to save money without creating a budget is to save your coins. Find a medium-sized jar and put your loose change in it each night. I suggest only saving the silver coins and giving the pennies to your kids or putting them in a separate jar. Once your jar is full, take it to the bank and deposit the money into your emergency fund. You’ll be amazed at how much money you can save this way.
The fourth and final way to save money is to ask yourself if what you’re purchasing is a need or a want. This works wonders and is an excellent way to train your brain to focus on the things you really need rather than the things you want. Another tip is to take a week to think about a large purchase to see if you really must have it. This gives you a chance to see if you can actually afford the item. If you don’t have enough money to purchase two of the items, then you can’t afford it.
So, if you take the time to follow these four painless ways to save money without creating a budget, you’ll see that it is possible and you’ll have more money saved next year than you have saved today.
How do you trick yourself into saving money? Do you have any tips to add? Let us know in the comments! 🙂
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Great advice! It can be hard keeping on track with a budget I have learned, but it is ultimately the best decision. It helps maintain being humble and out of debt, which we are trying so hard to do! Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week 🙂
Yes, staying on budget is tough, but will definitely help you get out of debt quicker than without one! Have a great day! ~Leigh
Very practical tips, if one is disciplined that is all you need to keep finances under control.
Kathleen
Blogger’s Pit Stop
Hi Kathleen, I totally agree with you! Thanks so much for commenting. 🙂
Great tips!
Thanks! Glad you found it useful! 🙂
I really like these tips! This makes so much sense to me.
Hi April! I’m glad you found it helpful. Merry Christmas!
Love these! Use them already! There was a program at one point with a bank that rounded out your purchases and put the rounded amounts aside. This can also add up!
I remember that! That was a super easy way to save. I wonder if that’s still offered?