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Why is Saving So Important?

The trick to saving is to make it your number one priority when allocating your cash outflows.

When I first start working with a client on wealth creation, I always start them saving 10% of their income regardless of their current financial position. Invariably, the client has a difficult time with this. Unless they are a "born saver" or were conditioned to saving from an early age, the client views this strategy as either drudgery or, worse, it appears that they have less money for themselves.

The truth is: savings will give you more money in the long run. If you want to become wealthy you must start thinking long-term not short-term. Generally, most people waste more than 10% of their income every week on things they don't really need. By eliminating wastage and extravagance from our lives, we can find that extra 10% to save.

Most of my middle-income clients have been able to trim an easy $50 to $100 per week off their supermarket bill alone by simply ensuring that they only buy what they need and focusing on buying value for money. This does not mean you have to buy inferior products. It means: buy value-for-money. Consumer research organisations have proven that the most expensive products are not necessary the best.

Ultimately you will feel a major sense of accomplishment watching your savings grow. Having savings in the bank provides a strong feeling of security and you will never feel poor. You can finally relax and know that the future is being taken care of.

Some wealth strategies may advocate paying off all your debts first and then start saving later. I disagree. These systems usually put you on a very stringent budget. To me, this is like going on a strict diet. It is too harsh for most people in the long-term and, more often than not, doomed for failure. I prefer to start everyone off by saving 10% of their income. It gets then into a good habit from the start. The 10% savings should always be allocated first. If you make it your number one priority, you are well on the way to conquering your financial problems and becoming wealthy.

A soon as any income is received, 10% should be deposited into a separate savings account that is easy to deposit to, yet difficult to withdraw from. Do not attach this account to your ATM card. This money should be left to accrue over time and then converted into investments. It is not to be used for holidays or buying large purchases such as furniture. A separate savings account can be used for the latter.

I tell my clients with children that the most important thing you can teach your children about money is to save 10%. If you start them young and teach them, in the same way as you teach them to brush their teeth everyday, they will be millionaires by the time they are 30 or 40 years old - maybe even sooner. It is as simple as that. Start them saving as soon as they start receiving pocket money.

About the Author

Ann Marosy is an accountant, consultant, and former university lecturer. She was formally a Financial Controller of a Fortune 500 Company, and Finalist of SA Executive Woman of the Year. Ann is the author of 'The Money Program' book series, which includes managing the stages of wealth creation, formulas for budgeting, debt-free program and investment strategies. Visit: The Home of The Money Program

Author Profile: amarosy

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