In Search of the Well-Rounded Lifestyle
It seems the more money you earn, the more money you spend. And despite your best intentions to put aside savings for that home deposit or the next holiday, funds seem to dwindle faster than Usain Bolt crossing the finish line. Well don't let your everyday spending send you into fits of buyer's remorse. There are ways and means for you to have it all.
1. Budget: the little word we love to hate
It's an obvious one, but set a budget: It's the first step to prioritising your spending and saving. Before you know what you can afford to save, account for your expenses. After the necessities − rent, food, car payments, health insurance, phone bills, gym memberships − what's left?
Once you know what you're working with, write down your savings goals and assign them a priority level. Then allocate a percentage of your remaining funds to each. For example:
Priority 1: Pay off remaining loans − 30% Priority 2: Emergency savings − 20% Priority 3: Deposit for first home − 30% Priority 4: Holiday − 20%.
2. Take advantage of tools
Saving for the future doesn't mean having to move back home with mum and dad and living off two-minute noodles for the next two years.
Take the first step now with our simple budget planner. This easy-to-use online tool helps you break down your income and expenses and work out how much you have left over to put towards future savings goals. A dream home, a new car, or a sailing adventure in Croatia? Achieve them all with the help of our tools and know-how.
3. Compromise
Once you identify where you're spending money, consider how important each of your outgoings is. Can you cut down on some costs by swapping them for a cheaper alternative? For example, if you spend $100 a week buying lunch at work, think about bringing lunch from home. It's a relatively easy concession that would give you more money to put towards things that are becoming more important to you.
We believe that life is all about enjoying the things you like and making the most of every opportunity. Read more about how to plan for the future when you're living in the now