We are all acutely aware that life is short, and that we should be able to throw caution to the wind, now and then, and spend money a little recklessly. However, most of us should also be aware that saving a little money on a regular basis is a must. Obviously if you have enough money to be able to save more, then all well and good.
There are many reasons to save, and benefits to doing so. Here are just a few:-
* Interest.
At present the interest rates for savers are negligible. Usually, though, savings can grow quite quickly, and nicely, with the added interest that will be applied to your savings.
* The future.
For most of us the future is an unknown entity. Let's face it, even if you have planned your future well, life is rarely that straightforward. Unemployment, ill health, natural disasters, family changes and much more could all scupper your well made plans. The unexpected tends to pop up, and cause mayhem, when we are least well equipped to cope with it. A little safety net of savings could offer welcome support, or even help you get out of a tricky financial situation. Having enough cash saved to get by for a few months is almost a necessity these days, as you would no doubt discover if, God forbid, you lost your job.
* Life's luxuries.
What is that old saying?. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". Most of us work hard and deserve some of life's luxuries. It may be something as small as regular meals out at a restaurant or a holiday abroad each year but, whatever it is, you will have earned it. It is better to try and save for such extras rather than take out debt which may eventually cause you problems. Most debt anyway is not really free and the charges added could mean that you pay out much more than you really should.
* The long run.
During your life you may want, or have, to pay for a child's wedding and, or, education, funeral expenses for a loved one, buy a home, learn to drive, restore a property, travel extensively, undertake a learning programme or pay for expensive medical treatment. Having some money saved could almost be a life saver. Debt is expensive and, these days, it is not always readily available.
* A good habit.
You do not have to save vast amounts of cash but getting into the habit of saving on a regular basis is good. Once a saving habit is established it will tend to stay with you over the years. Rainy days happen to everyone sometimes and having some cash stashed away is always a bonus.
* Preventing wasting money.
Making sure that you save some money can often stop you actually wasting your hard earned cash. If all your income is freely available the temptation to spend will be great. Probably too great to resist. Include your regular savings amounts in with your budget, so that you do not think you have plenty of spare cash.
* Don't be left in the lurch.
If you save no money at all you will have nothing for an emergency and, trust me, emergencies can happen all too often in life. For example:-
Your eyesight may rapidly deteriorate and you may need spectacles. You could easily be looking at needing a few hundred pounds to sort this problem out.
You or your partner suffer a heart attack and are unable to work for at least six months whilst you recover.
Your roof may give up the ghost and a new roof could easily cost over a thousand pounds.
Your washing machine, cooker, iron and vacuum cleaner all decide to breakdown at once. Even if they can be repaired it will be expensive.
* Overall.
The benefits of saving money are obvious when you think about it. Averaging your income out makes sense. It may also be that you would like to leave something behind for a loved one. Use a little common sense with your money. Yes, by all means enjoy life as, who knows what's around the corner. However, do not be someone who lives to a ripe old age in abject poverty, or who always has to pay over the odds because they pay on credit, unless you have had no other alternatives. Be money wise and make your money work for you.