Okay. So money doesn't really grow on trees. Unless you plant your own Mighty Money Tree, that is!
Imagine that only a few moments ago you planted a young sapling in your back yard. You gave it just enough water to ensure a good start. Not too much, not too little. You even propped it up with a stake. You'll continue to nurture it, feed it, water it.
And with each passing year, your tender young sapling will grow stronger. Taller. Healthy. As it ages, your tree can better defend itself from natural predators. Even harsh weather.
Growing your savings account is similar to growing your new tree. Given lots of tender care, your savings account will become your Mighty Money Tree. Use the following tips to ensure a great start. So, grab your shovel and let's get planting!
Prop Up Your New Savings Account
To build an account you can enjoy for a lifetime, prop it up with nutrients to help it grow.
a) Feed your account with bonuses. Deposit money saved through cancelled subscriptions. Don't forget those unexpected windfalls, either.
How about money owed and paid back to you? Be sure to include these amounts, even if they're small. Small is great -- and very do-able.
b) Nurture your savings weekly with money saved from using coupons.
Do you buy items on sale? Take that money you saved and use it to grow your account. Tuck small amounts into an envelope. Deposit weekly.
c) Shower your fund with birthday, anniversary or holiday gifts of money. Refunds, too! This is money you normally wouldn't have had (or already spent.)
Remember, out of sight, out of mind!
Fiercely Protect From Natural Enemies
Just as you might spray your tree to ward off insects or disease, you must protect your fledgling savings account. It's precious -- and a result of your patience.
a) Avoid spending too much time with others who make it seem 'natural' to go through money. They may not give it much thought because spending is a comfortable habit for them.
But you actually have a plan. And you have the big picture of how and when you'll spend. You will decide the where and why of spending your money. Make your spending thoughtful.
b) Pace yourself as you spend your weekly allotment of money. If you run on $35 per week (for example), that gives you five dollars per day.
Stay just under that five, and you'll always be a few dollars ahead. You'll also be less tempted to tap your savings.
c) Practice 'tough love' with chronic spenders who repeatedly borrow your money. Give yourself permission to state firmly that borrowing your money is 'not' an option. Remove the stakes that prop up others' spending.
Say yes to protecting and taking care of your money. It will be there to support you, your family, and your true needs.
Promote and Maintain Healthy Growth
Small amounts add up big time, so keep money coming into your account on a regular basis. Keep it growing!
a) Remember 'why' you set up your account. Know your balance at all times. Keep your eye on the bigger picture.
Will it help you pay for a gently used car, eliminating future car payments year after year? Is it your 'freedom from working for others' fund?
b) Begin with one great strategy, and use it to create a steady stream of money to feed your account. Will it be a direct deposit through payroll?
Will you fund it by using only dollar bills, and setting aside all change at the end of each day? If so, scoop up your change and deposit weekly.
c) Each month, find a new, creative way to put more money in your account. Then find another method and repeat for a month. Keep the top three or four methods which seem to work best for you. Toss the rest, because you want methods that work for you consistently.
Need a starting point? Why not begin with spending ten dollars less at the store each week? Tuck your ten bucks into your savings account. It's simple, and it won't leave you feeling deprived.
Lastly, feel the wonder of knowing that your money tree will continue to grow. Like a faithful friend, it will remain at your side. Your champion in good times, a comfort in the rough patches of life.
It has the power to draw your dream out of the darkness and into the light. How long have you had that private, special dream? Only you can know.
Now, what would 'you' do with your own Mighty Money Tree? Plant one today! Prop it up. Protect it. Watch it grow.
About The Author
Author and ezine editor Darlene Arechederra inspires busy women to put the simple back in saving their money. Her complimentary newsletter serves up heaps of motivation with a unique, down-home style of writing. Join her today at http://www.ratraceremedies.com.
car service from Midway Burlington .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare"The quickest way to wealthThat I've found to be true;Is... Read More
"Any fool can rich, the wise get wealthy." Chris WidenerGetting... Read More
To budget, to have a budget and to be on... Read More
Part of learning to become financially free is to begin... Read More
Do you have financial problems? Then a budget is the... Read More
1. Pay off high-cost debt. The best investment most borrowers... Read More
Do you like so many others feel, that even if... Read More
Loose change that is, if you want a easy way... Read More
Want to be one of the lucky ones on the... Read More
Living on credit is fashionable. Indulging oneself is fashionable. Saving... Read More
In most societies, we are raised to believe in the... Read More
Financial freedom is the power to do what you will... Read More
Financial planning at an early age may seem complicated, however... Read More
Vacation season is upon us and it can be tempting... Read More
Saving money for retirement can be easy or difficult depending... Read More
It is with great pleasure of having you here at... Read More
As someone who loves to shop, enjoys holidays and owns... Read More
There once was a hawk, ferocious and swift. He was... Read More
Here's the truth: I have read hundreds and hundreds of... Read More
"Join our program and retire in 3 months..." yeah, right.We... Read More
As a woman Netpreneur, I sat down via e-mail with... Read More
You've been thinking that your financial life could probably be... Read More
Everyone wants to be wealthy, but most of us do... Read More
Endowments and endowment mortgages have received a lot of bad... Read More
Uncle Sam and his band of merry-men, better known as... Read More
Granger limo Chicago ..Imagine being able to steal untold millions of dollars in... Read More
Financial independence is having the freedom to support yourself through... Read More
Many of us do not consider the underlying belief system... Read More
AS THE MARKET FLIES HIGHER, GOOD BUYS ARE BECOMING HARDER... Read More
We all go to school for about twelve years, kindergarten... Read More
From tender age, we were exposed to myths about money... Read More
Building wealth is as simple as saving a little bit... Read More
No one has complete control over their thoughts. But with... Read More
No matter what income level you are currently at, generating... Read More
Is accumulating wealth as easy as following a 3-step plan?... Read More
Whether an established conglomerate or a fledgling company, a business... Read More
Now is a great time to make it a habit... Read More
There are many of us who are working on our... Read More
According to Wallace Wattles, in his popular wealth treatise called... Read More
Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes -- Envision your life 10... Read More
Turn to the year 1999, a couple of friends sitting... Read More
One very important wealth creating habit is to set up... Read More
When I was a student in London, I had a... Read More
In light of the dominant mindset overshadowing the market these... Read More
Feng shui coins can allow you, among other things, to... Read More
U.S. Supreme Justice Louis D. Brandeis"I live in Alexandria Virginia.... Read More
As many people have observed, "Success leaves clues." If you... Read More
Despite what you may have read or heard, anyone is... Read More
What is your attitude towards having wealth? Do you believe... Read More
In today's unpredictable global economy, you obviously never know what... Read More
Wealth Building |