by Todd Pheifer

Created on: April 14, 2009

In theory, many people desire to increase their level of savings. However, in practice saving can be easier said than done and many consumers find themselves pushing the practice of saving to the bottom of the allocation list. Too often, other financial obligations seem more important, or people can succumb to particular temptations that drain their bank account. The best laid plans turn into empty promises and savings goals get pushed to the following month. Still, with discipline, hard work, and strategies, people can put together effective savings plans. Here are a few thoughts on how to make regular saving a reality.

Automatic deduction

One way to make saving more consistent is to set up an automatic deduction from the checking account to a savings account. This removes the obligation of writing a check or making a transfer each month. Too often saving can be "out of sight, out of mind." By making the transaction a monthly financial obligation, people make saving a more solidified part of their normal routine. Granted, they can still stop a monthly transaction at any time. However, it may be more likely that people will let things go through, rather than going through the hassle of cancelling a set transaction.

Proper instruments

Another way to increase savings is to put money into a proper financial instrument. For the most part, people should avoid savings accounts at standard banks because the investment return is often very low. Savers should at least put their money into a money market account or a certificate of deposit. These types of funds may not provide drastically higher yields, but they can increase the return on the investment, and over time this can represent a real increase in the savings balance.

Channeling periodic opportunities

The government often encourages consumers to stimulate the economy by spending money. However, if people are serious about saving, they will take their income and dedicate it to a savings instruments when the opportunity arises. For example, if people receive rebates, refunds, and unforeseen sources of income, it may be wise to dedicate most or all of the amount to a savings fund. It can be very tempting to go out and spend at least some of the money on a desired item, but this does not necessarily solidify the savings account.

Overall, savings is often about discipline. In many ways, people just have to make it a priority and do it on a monthly basis. If people are serious about spending, they will cut out expenses and decide that they do need some of the things that they are tempted to buy. Only when people make saving a habit will their balances start to really increase.

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