3 simple ways to reach your savings goals

There are a million reasons to save money. Retirement may be just around the corner, your car may be on its last legs, or you might be ready to get out of that apartment and into a house of your own. Whatever your reason for saving, it’s probably a good one. Saving can be tough, and it’s sometimes easier to do when it doesn’t take much thought. If you have a savings goal, here are three simple ways you can reach them.

Take advantage of savings opportunities

If retirement is your savings goal, the easiest way for you to save would be to participate in your company’s 401(k) program. You can pick how much you want to contribute, and that amount is automatically taken out of your paycheck each pay period. Plus, some employers will actually match your contribution (that’s free money)!

Set it and forget it

A boy scout will tell you that you should always “be prepared.” It’s definitely good advice for your financial well-being. Unexpected bills can show up at any time. An easy way to build up (or create) your emergency fund is to open up a savings account and redirect a small portion of your direct deposit (do some people still get checks?) into your new account. It’s a quick and easy way to build up your emergency fund, and it doesn’t take much each month to really add up. This is also a great way to save for a down payment on that house you’ve been daydreaming about.

Follow your (day)dreams

Spring is upon us, which means it’s going to be summer before you know it. And summer means one thing: summer vacation. If you really want to put some cash away for vacation this summer, keep your eye on your destination. Get a big jar and wrap it with a photo of the beach, mountain, or casino that you can’t wait to visit. Every time you see that picture you’re going to wish you were there and hopefully those thoughts will keep you stuffing that jar full of quarters, ones, and fives, instead of stuffing yourself full of burgers and fries.