If you’re trying to build an emergency fund, save for a vacation, or put money aside for a new laptop, having a savings plan can make it much easier to hit your goal without feeling overwhelmed.
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Here’s how to create a savings plan that works and how to follow through until you reach your savings goal.
First, get clear on your goal. The more specific you are, the better. Instead of saying “I want to save money,” say “I want to save $2,000 for a trip to Italy next summer” or “I want $1,500 for a new computer by the end of the year.” Giving your savings a purpose helps keep you motivated.
You’ll also want to decide when you need the money. Your timeline plays a big role in how much you’ll need to set aside each week or month. A short-term goal may require tighter contributions, while a longer timeline gives you more flexibility.
Once you know your goal and timeline, it’s time to do some math. Take your total savings goal and divide it by the number of weeks or months until your deadline. That’s your savings target for each period.
For example, if you want to save $1,200 in six months, you’ll need to save $200 a month or $50 a week. Breaking it down like this makes it feel more doable since it’s easier to commit to $50 a week than to come up with a lump sum at the last minute.
Keeping your savings in a separate account makes it easier to track your progress and harder to spend the money on something else. You can open a free high-yield savings account online or use one through your current bank.
If possible, nickname the account based on your goal, like “Mexico Trip” or “Emergency Fund.” That visual reminder can give you a little extra push when you’re tempted to dip into the money for something else.
The easiest way to stick to your savings plan is to remove the decision-making. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account right after payday. That way, you’re paying yourself first before your money gets eaten up by everyday expenses.
Even if you can only start with a small amount, you’ll see a pretty big difference in your savings if you stay consistent. For example, saving just $25 every week can still add up to $1,300 in a year. And you can always increase the amount later when you have extra cash to contribute.
