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Overview
5 Money Moves That Could Set You Up For Life
You may be doing all the right things regarding your savings — putting money aside from every paycheck, contributing to your employer’s retirement plan, and diversifying your investments. But if you are concerned that these things might not be enough or your goals are more significant than that, here are some money moves you may not have thought of that could set you up with financial security for a long time.
- Make Your Savings Very Hard to Get At
One of the basic rules of saving is to keep the money in the account and don’t touch it. Consider opening a separate high-yield savings account to plant your money and watch it grow. - Use Your Credit Card
This may seem odd, but using your credit card can actually help you save more. First, you’ll need a credit card that pays you cash back. Then you’ll need to use your card for groceries, restaurants, gas, utilities, etc. And then – the most important step – you must pay off your entire credit card balance before the due date. This way, you won’t pay any interest and watch your cash back add up! Prefer a card with flexible rewards or travel benefits? Make sure to cash in your rewards and save on out-of-pocket costs. - Diversify Your Savings
Consider diversifying your savings strategy to include a mix of savings accounts, high-yield money market accounts, Certificates, and more. Organize your savings to ensure you are maximizing your interest earnings while still being able to access funds when you need to. - Save as Much as You Splurge
It’s fine to indulge in the occasional “want,” but each time you do, put the same amount into savings. For example, if you spend $100 on new shoes, put another $100 into your savings account. If you can’t afford to save as much as the splurge costs, skip the splurge. - Automate Your Savings
Automatically transfer a portion of your paycheck to your savings account. This way, you’re saving without thinking about it. Split your paychecks using direct deposit or set up automatic transfers in Online Banking.
- Make Your Savings Very Hard to Get At