Since there is now two paychecks coming into our bank account, I am trying to start saving some money. I had read some articles that said to treat saving just like another bill. I have been trying to do this and so far, it has been working. Slowly, our savings account has been growing each paycheck. It is nice to see it growing each week, and then each month. There are times that I have thoughts about "Do I really need this?" when I am out in a store or even think about going to a store on purpose. It has helped to have that thought of needing it come across my mind. In that sense, I think I am starting to think more of my wants versus my needs. I have had a few moments of weakness but I am trying to then think of what happened, why did I do that, what was going on that I ended up buying that item (or items).
Putting the money aside just like it is a bill has helped. Husband and I have a few goals for this money and faithfully putting it aside is good. Not thinking about it is even better. When I sit down to pay bills, I transfer the money into our savings.
I have found that it is tempting to take out the money and buy one of our goals with it. "Hurry up" my brain tells me. Let's get it now!! Not wanting to have payments or use credit is hard to deal with but I do not want to put things on credit if I can totally help it. Denying myself instant gratification will not be worth it. I have done it before and know how it feels once the "newness" wears off. That is where saving for the purchase is totally worth it. I know walking out of the store after paying cash for the item will feel absolutely great!! I just have to keep reminding myself to wait, to be patient, that it will be worth it in the end.
So, one of our goals is a new bed and mattress. I have found a new bed but not a mattress. I think once we get the bed, getting the mattress will be definitely next but I want to save for the bed first. I have been doing some online research of beds I like and getting some prices for this bed. Right now, IKEA looks like our best choice for a bed. I am still looking around just to make sure and to get an idea on cost. Plus, I also need to know if this is something that can be purchased locally, if there is some travel to pick up the bed or if it must be shipped to us. If we go with IKEA, we can either travel a few hours to get it or have it shipped to us. Still debating on that idea. Also, I need to make sure that Husband likes it too. So, just "window shopping" is good in this area to get an idea on price and where we are going to get this big purchase.
In the end, saving for bigger purchases will be good. It will also be a test in patience and learning to research and find the best item that will fit our needs, not someone else's needs. Our savings is growing, I just got to make sure it keeps going that way!!
Do you have any tips on saving money that you would like to share? I'm definitely open for your suggestions!! Thank you!!
Jenn
No comments:
Post a Comment