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.
Airbnb cleaning service Arlington Heights ..You've been thinking that your financial life could probably be... Read More
Part of learning to become financially free is to begin... Read More
Top Investment PerformanceThroughout history, many coin collections have produced substantial... Read More
So you want to become wealthy? While there is no... Read More
Want to be one of the lucky ones on the... Read More
Have you any idea how many people search Google every... Read More
Look at Forbes' top 10 United States wealthiest people. Notice... Read More
Let's begin easing you out of the pits. I mean,... Read More
I'm constantly reading articles on the internet and in financial... Read More
There are many wealth creation strategies and investment techniques available... Read More
Giving and ReceivingIt seems that people generally find it easy... Read More
Recently, one late winter night, my four-year old son and... Read More
I want to share an experience I had in common... Read More
Have you seen a picture of the Parthenon in Athens,... Read More
The four main steps in building a wealth cycle foundation... Read More
Hello,If you dont understand this yet, or have not heard... Read More
The inability to come up with the necessary cash when... Read More
Yesterday we learned that 74% of all wealth is created... Read More
1. Save up to 50% per month on convenience cleaner... Read More
The word 'diversity' is a unique one. It can represent... Read More
There could not be a better time to mull over... Read More
"It's the business of your life?and you're the CEO!" Gala... Read More
I am often amused by the ads and offers I... Read More
It's the beginning of a brand new year: a time... Read More
Any successful person, or any anyone interested in self improvement... Read More
reliable maid service Winnetka ..While you need to have a lot of positive-thought and... Read More
Top Investment PerformanceThroughout history, many coin collections have produced substantial... Read More
Have you any idea how many people search Google every... Read More
Endowments and endowment mortgages have received a lot of bad... Read More
At any time in history, no matter what the current... Read More
The inability to come up with the necessary cash when... Read More
There are many of us who are working on our... Read More
Do you have financial problems? Then a budget is the... Read More
We talked recently about the wealth formula:Spend less than you... Read More
1. Save up to 50% per month on convenience cleaner... Read More
This 4,000 acre sale (now a marina and resort town... Read More
A mole travels one road, according to the way nature... Read More
E-currency is very popular on the Internet today. People use... Read More
Money can be your servant or it can be your... Read More
When young men ask me how to succeed, I tell... Read More
When I look around at all of my friends, and... Read More
Look at Forbes' top 10 United States wealthiest people. Notice... Read More
"It's the business of your life?and you're the CEO!" Gala... Read More
According to Wallace Wattles, in his popular wealth treatise called... Read More
The rewarding of high compensation packages to top executives who... Read More
The fact is that most people continue to work for... Read More
Most people want to get to the end of their... Read More
We all go to school for about twelve years, kindergarten... Read More
You have probably heard other people say that "Money isn't... Read More
Are you setting the right money goals?Most people believe having... Read More
Wealth Building |