What Is The Best Way To Save, When You Limited/Stressed Income?

Question

I'm trying to save money, but with paying into a 401k plan and medical co-fees I am finding it difficult. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Sometimes cutting back on going out to eat, going out to movies, stop making any unnessary trips like driving your vehicle all over, to save on gas. Keep lights off in rooms you are not using to save on power.

Answer 2

DO NOT put less money into your 401K. That is your future you're investing in and you'll need that money later. In fact, if you have a 401K, you are saving money.

I think saving gas is a good idea by not driving as much, but you can also look at the type of car you are driving and how you are driving. If you accelerate quickly, you'll use more gas rather than if you slowly got your car up to speed. If you drive a compact car (and some sedans), you'll use less gas than a truck, SUV or sportscar.

I also agree that eating out, even fast-food, can be an expense that builds over time. Even if you do it once a week, that's about $5 a week you could be saving and $250 a year. So maybe trying making a big meal at the beginning of the week that you can use for your lunch (like spagetti or a meatloaf or something that reheats easily).

Something else I see among my friends is that they go shopping once a week and don't eat half of what they take home! They wind up having to throw it out. So when you do go, don't make any impulse buys. Buy what you know you will eat for the week. Yes, another trip to the store would waste gas, but that is why you do it on your way home from work.

Answer 3

Putting more money,not less, in your 401-k is the best form of savings. You should contribute it at least up to the pre-tax limit as your tax on that portion is deferred until you withdraw your funds, following retirements.

What you earn from your contribution is phenomenal, especially if your company, like many businesses, have matching funds. So, increase your periodic contribution to your 401-k as much as you can and is allowed : another 1, 2, or 3%.... You won't miss it that much and you'll be happy to see the returns, especially when you approach retirements.

All other forms of savings are puny compared to that of the 401-k so contribute to it as much as possible, and more.

Answer 4

First of the 100% of the money you...
* give 10% to your church after all that money earned is God's
* 10% goes into your bank account in savings
* cut out the fat - cable, expensive cars, expensive living quarters
* cook at home, $100 of groceries will last 21-28 days, this could be spent in one restaurant sitting.
* lower the heat in your home at night, wear more sweaters at night.
* Turn off lights when not necessary to be on...
* Don't drive more than you have to
* Shop bargains
* Phone service to a minimum, if you have a cell phone get rid of your home phone
* Do eat well and don't get sick, and God Bless You!

Answer 5

Hi,
I personally look after my family budget and all spending items need to be accounted for so that at any point in time you know where you are. Requires discipline but that's the only way.
To help me, I have been using personal finance software package by Australian business Parcus Group - Personal Finance Associate.
The product is good & simple to use. For AU$29 it costs, you get budgeting, financial planning templates as well as advanced features that typically cost lots more as separate software packages such as investment real estate calculations (mainly based on rental cash-flow analysis) and some value based shares valuations (based on Warren Buffet's stock valuation methodology)
Their website is http://www.parcusgroup.com
For anyone interested in their budgeting & wealth creation this product is definitely worth looking at.

PS.
Good luck with your savings

Answer 6

-check to make sure your witholding amount is correct on your paycheck
-use coupons, buy in paper goods/garbage bags anything you can keep a long time in bulk
-substitute generic or store brand products whenever possible
(we are picky here so its mostly cooking oil,salt little things add up)
-do you buy coffee in the morning? bring some from home
-set up budget accounts on utilitys if possible where they bill you the same amount each month
-go out less stay.... home and drink learn the fun of boardgames again
-when you write a check round up in your checkbook say a item is 14.52 round amount to 15.00 you will save alot this way
-dont buy stamps for bills you electronic transfer
-can deductable be higher on insurance (if you dont go to the doctor much you may not even reach a low deductable a year for the insurance to kick in
hope this helps

Answer 7

stop your 401k, temporarily. pay down debt, get a 2nd job, and start saving again, get back in your 401K. if you are broke, your money can't pay attention to every bill. it has to focus, attack and kill one at a time. get back on track and then focus on saving. it's like a jack of all trades and a master at none. your money is good at touching a little bit of everything but never really good at hitting anything.

Answer 8

Pay yourself first...whether it's 5 or $10. Get down to the bare minimums. Do you NEED cable or do you have to eat out everyday? Creat a budget and monitor where you spend your money. More times than none, you will realize where your money should not be going.

Answer 9

Pay yourself first. What you should do is to transfer whether how much amount you want for weekly from checking account to saving. Do it automatically and make sure you do the commitment to not touch it until you need it for really emergency. That would make things go smoother and easier!

Answer 10

Are you spending unnecessary money? Are you eating out when you could just do groceries and cook? Are you eating out for lunch instead of bringing your lunch?

Use your car, if you have one, only when necessary to consume less gas. Use your appliances during off peak hours. Contribute less to your 401K plan. IF you have credti cards trying searching for lower interst rates. Try searching for lower insurance rates. If you won a home try refinancing and cashing out.