You must have read and heard that you should set aside money, but many do not know how much. Stashing away money for a rainy day may be hard, especially if you live paycheque to paycheque. If not, utility bills and rent quickly sweep money off your account.
More than 65% of people struggle to lay aside money for emergencies. There has been a lot of debate on this subject, and people have numerous excuses to wriggle out of it. Maybe later, but you will realise the importance of stowing money.
You are not just supposed to save money to cushion the blow of an emergency, but you also need to do it to build retirement funds.
As you do not have much responsibility at a young age, you can easily stick to your saving plan. You get tied with mortgage and auto loan payments as time flees by. These priorities can put a pause for a while on your retirement saving plan.
If you did not start earlier, you would never be able to save even what you could have otherwise. Your savings can also help keep the wolf from the door when an emergency pops up.
If somehow your savings fall short, Provident Ireland loans can help you. One of the most significant benefits of laying aside money is that you will have peace of mind. You will likely stay organised with your expenses.
How much of your Paycheque is to be Salted Away?
This is not a new thing that you have not known. Many of you must have heard that you should contribute 20% of your income to a savings account. However, this is just a general principle that unfortunately cannot apply to everyone.
People who are living paycheque to paycheque cannot set aside about 20% of their monthly income. There will likely be people earning a good amount of money, but it may still not be possible for them to take 20% off their budget. Does that mean you cannot save money? No, you will have to find alternatives to do so.
How much to put by for each Goal from your Paycheque?
Assuming that you have been earning enough money to stow away at least 20% of your monthly salary, just popping this much money into your savings account is not enough to ensure that you will be able to have enough money when an emergency pops up or when you retire.
First off, you need to find out the reasons why you are to salt away. There are mainly three reasons apart from emergencies why you should put aside money – retirement, investment, and a big purchase.
1. Emergencies
Undoubtedly, you will have to save money for emergencies. What will you do if you have got a leaking ceiling? Of course, you may need extra cash for it. Experts often recommend having three to the six-month worth of living expenses.
To build such an immense emergency cushion, you will have to contribute to it consistently. Now the question is how much. If you are capable of putting in 20% of your income, it does not mean the whole of the money will go toward building an emergency cushion.
You will have to pick a certain amount of money to carry it out. For instance, you should try to set by between €200 and €1,000. Note that the money you pop into your emergency cushion can fluctuate depending on your priorities.
2. Retirement
You will be grateful for a generous retirement fund years down the line if you successfully manage to have the one. If your employer has opened a retirement account, you may be transferred about 15 to 20% of your income.
However, this is the ideal contribution. You do not need to separately do anything if your employer has provided you with this facility. However, if you work for an employer that does not have the scheme to transfer to retirement funds or are self-employed, you should make your own arrangements.
The contribution can be up from 15 to 20%, depending on your current lifestyle or goals. Before you get to how much will be an ideal amount, you should estimate how much you will need in your retirement age.
Consider your current lifestyle and use a retirement calculator to get the answer. It will help you determine the income you will need at that age based on your current savings and income.
If you work for a company where the employer offers a 401(K) retirement plan, you should not let this opportunity go.
3. Investment
This may not be a suitable option for everyone though it helps make money from money. You can invest money if you have financial flexibility.
By investing money into stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investment assets, you can transfer your dividends and interest income to the retirement fund. If you invest money based on your risk tolerance capacity, you can build your wealth.
4. A big Purchase
Down the line, you will need to buy a house or car. You will need a down payment to have them financed. Based on the estimated market value, you can find out how much you need as a down payment and how much to be salted away each month by the time you need it.
What if you are living Paycheque to Paycheque?
If you are just living paycheque to paycheque and cannot set aside 20% of your monthly income, you should find ways to make room for it.
1. Set up a Budget
Whether you like it or not, budgeting can help you manage your money in a better way. You should try to create a budget according to your current lifestyle. Live off a lean budget that does not have a scope for inessential expenses.
The money you spend on your entertainment and fun will go toward your savings account. As it is vital to have money for fun, you will have to find another income source.
Grab a side gig or switch to a job with higher pay. Try to adjust your expenses too. For instance, you can opt for a cheaper mobile or broadband plan.
2. Be Frugal
By practicing a frugal mindset, you can control your impulsive purchases, which is a prominent cause of taking out a quick loan in Ireland. Spend money only when it is necessary. Before you rush to buy anything, ask yourself if it is an urgent need. If you can manage without it, drop the idea of buying it.
Final Words
As far as it is about stashing away money, you should transfer at least 20% of your income, but some people may not earn a good amount of money.
It is set in stone that you are to stick to this rule. If your budget allows for just 5% of it, just do it. If you are able to stow away 20% of your income, decide how it needs to be allocated to your current expense. It does not matter how much your monthly income allows you to put by. As long as you stick to your plan, it keeps you going.