Just like planting rice, it’s never fun. Saving is no laughing matter.
You work hard all day, every single day, but when payday comes, you’re still a few hundred pesos short.
These days, it’s really difficult to save. With all the bills and expenses, it’s hard to set aside something for our savings.
We spend all of our days working hard, and then when we get our paycheck, all of the money that we’ve earned just passes through our hands. The money disappears. Suddenly, there’s nothing left.
Yes, let’s admit it. It’s really hard to save. But isn’t it that there’s a saying, “If there’s a will, there’s a way”?
There are a lot of reasons why people are unable to save. Some of them are:
I HAVE A LOT OF EXPENSES
The solution for this is simple. Cut back on your expenses. Sit down and list your priorities. Identify your needs from your wants. What are the things that you really, really need to spend on?
Avoid impulsive buying. Think before you spend. If you will prioritize saving, it will have a long-term benefit that you surely will not regret.
I’M NOT USED TO SAVING
It’s really hard to study a habit that you didn’t grow up with or you simply aren’t used to. But there is also nothing too difficult for a person who is determined and who has a strong resolve.
If you really want to be financially well, you need to start learning new good habits, and unlearn the bad habits. If you’re still not used to saving, it’s not yet too late. Just think of all the positive benefits that it can bring in your life.
I’M NOT EARNING ENOUGH
Prices are increasing, bills are getting higher. But when it comes to our salary, no change. It stays the same. Stagnant. So how will we be able to save if the money we’re making can’t even cover for our basic expenses?
Actually, it has nothing to do with your salary. Your ability to save isn’t solely dependent on the amount of money you earn. If you can only see the big picture, you will realize that saving has a lot of benefits.
This is why even if you think that you are not earning enough, you can still save if you choose to. You don’t always have to save big. A small amount will do. What is important is that you are able to set aside money for savings consistently.
I’M DEEP IN DEBT
Without a doubt, it’s hard to save if we have a lot of debts that we need to pay off. Here’s the solution: Stop borrowing money. Just stop right now. Pay all of your debts immediately, and then start to save.
I DON’T HAVE ANY BUDGET
To budget is to plan. If you’re not budgeting your money, this only means that you are not planning. We have a saying that goes, “If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.”
It’s impossible that you don’t have any budget. You still do, for sure. You’re just not prioritizing it. Include your savings as part of your budget. Don’t just save whatever remains after all of your expenses.
I DON’T KNOW HOW TO SAVE
Maybe some of you are asking, how can I save? How do I start? What do I do?
There are many ways that you can try. Some people save through the bank. Some people save through stocks and other kinds of investment instruments. Some people save through a piggy bank. Go for whatever will work for you. You can also try other ways. Don’t be embarrassed to ask and seek help from people who are in the know.
The truth is, the only reason why we find it hard to save is because we have a lot of excuses. Because of all the excuses that we are making, we are missing out on the many benefits and positive effects of saving, not just in our finances, but also in our lives.
It’s time that we bury all of our excuses. It’s time that we commit and finally make the resolve to start saving. Saving is a discipline. It’s more than just a habit. It’s a conviction and a commitment.
THINK. REFLECT. APPLY.
What’s stopping you from saving? What are your struggles when it comes to saving? Are you ready to unlearn and learn?
