The Simple Way to Save Money

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Today I would like to discuss the simple concept of saving money. Put a dollar in the piggy bank, don't spend it, and you've just saved a dollar. Sounds easy right? Wrong. Not spending that dollar is the hard part, something that is difficult to overcome. This process becomes increasingly difficult as the amount in the piggy bank grows. I've always found it easy to put a little bit of money aside but as soon as I realize that money can buy something I need (ahem, want), the money is as good as gone.






Let's say that our theoretical piggy bank contains $100, just the amount needed for a new DVD player on sale. My typical reaction is that I've been so good saving the $100, that I should reward myself by spending it all. Bad, bad advice. Sure, I'll get my DVD player, but now my savings plan has to start all over... at zero. How long is it going to take to save another $100? Am I even going to continue saving or is the plan shot? I don't know about you, but starting over with nothing doesn't do much for my motivation department.






Saving money for an extended period of time is a difficult process. One that quickly grows boring for most individuals. More often than not (at least with me), this boredom leads to searching for ways to make it more exciting... and usually results in a new gadget and a depleted piggy bank. After all, it's so much easier to break down and buy that DVD player, rather than letting the money sit there doing nothing. At least the DVD player is more interesting. There is another angle I have found that keeps me saving... setting milestones and rewards.