Automatic Savings Plan
An automatic savings plan is a tool that allows you to save money without even thinking about it. Here’s how it works:
Setting up the plan:
- Choose a savings goal: You might want to save for a down payment on a house, a new car, a specific emergency fund, or anything else.
- Select the amount: Decide how much you want to save each month.
- Choose the trigger: Select the events that will trigger your savings contribution, such as payday, a scheduled payment, or a specific purchase.
- Select the account: Choose where you want the savings money to go, such as a separate savings account or your main account.
Mechanism:
Once the plan is set up, the software automatically transfers the specified amount from your trigger account to your savings account on the designated trigger date.
Benefits:
- Make saving effortless: You don’t have to manually move money around, reducing the temptation to spend it.
- Set it and forget it: Once the plan is set up, you don’t have to worry about remembering to save.
- Consistency: It ensures you save consistently, even when you’re busy or have fluctuating income.
- Financial freedom: Consistent saving can help you reach your financial goals faster and with less stress.
Here are some tools and platforms that offer automatic savings plans:
- Banks: Many banks offer automatic savings features as part of their mobile apps.
- Financial management tools: Tools like Mint and NerdWallet allow you to track your savings and automate transfers.
- Investment platforms: Platforms like robo-advisors and Acorns allow you to set up automatic savings for specific investment goals.
Here are some additional tips for using automatic savings plans:
- Start small: Begin with a small savings goal and a manageable amount to save.
- Revisit and adjust: Periodically review your savings plan and adjust the amount you save or the trigger events as needed.
- Celebrate your progress: Track your savings progress and reward yourself for reaching milestones.
By setting up an automatic savings plan, you can start accumulating savings effortlessly and reach your financial goals faster.