Why Saving Money Seems Impossible

Saving money can feel really, really hard. It's like looking up at a huge mountain and having to climb all the way to the top. Sometimes, you might think it's just too hard because every time you get some money, it seems there's always something you need to spend it on. 

Your money goes to a lot of different places – paying for the lights at home, buying food to fill the fridge, and filling up the car with gas so you can go places. And then there are the little treats that make you happy, like a cup of coffee from your favorite shop. It's like everyone and everything already has a plan for your money before you even get a chance to think about saving it.

But guess what? It's not just you finding it tough. Everyone has a bunch of reasons why it feels so hard:

• Lots of bills: There are things we all have to pay for, no matter what. These are big chunks of money that go out regularly.
• Surprises: Sometimes stuff just happens. Like, your bike gets a flat tire, or your favorite shoes get a hole in them. You didn't plan for it, but now you've got to spend money to fix these things.
• Now versus later: Spending money now usually feels good – like buying that toy you really want or going out with friends. Saving means waiting to use your money, and that's not as much fun.
• Boring to save: Putting money into a savings account doesn't give you a thrill the same way buying something does.- Tough to change: If you’ve always spent your money in a certain way, trying to do things differently can be really tricky.

So if you're feeling like saving money is a mountain you can't climb, that's okay. Lots of people feel the same way. It's not just because it's hard but because there are real reasons that make it hard. But just like climbing a mountain, there's a way to do it, step by step – and you don't have to climb it all in one day.

How Can We Start Saving Without Feeling Miserable?

Starting to save money doesn't have to bring you down. It's about making little shifts in the way you handle your cash, so you can see it grow without feeling like you're missing out on life. Let’s get into some ways that can make saving feel easier and less of a drag.

Begin with Baby Steps

Think about saving like learning to ride a bike. You don't just start pedaling and take off; you start with training wheels and go a little at a time. Saving can start small, like setting aside a few dollars a week – maybe the change from your grocery shopping or the few bucks you might spend on a snack. Slowly, those little bits add up, and before you know it, you've got a nice pile of savings!

Set and Forget with Automatic Savings

You know how your phone takes photos and stores them without you having to think about it? That’s the beauty of "set it and forget it." You can do the same with saving money. Tell your bank to move a little bit of your paycheck into a savings account every time you get paid. It's like a magic trick for your money: it moves to a safe place where it can grow, and since it happens automatically, you won’t even miss it.

Look Closely at the Little Things

Small spending can sneak up on you. Like those little ants at a picnic, tiny purchases can carry off your cash without you even noticing. What if you skipped buying that fizzy drink and saved that money instead? Or made coffee at home instead of buying it on the go? Each time you decide not to spend a little here and there, you’ve got something to add to your savings.

Have Something to Look Forward To

Saving feels way better when you have a reason for it. It can be anything that makes you excited – a new game, a day out, or a holiday you’ve been dreaming of. Write down this goal or put up a picture of it. Every time you save, you’re one step closer to making it real, and that's going to make you feel good about what you're doing.

Make a Game of It

Games are fun because they have goals and rewards, and believe it or not, you can do the same with saving money. Challenge yourself to save a little more each month, or see if you can find clever ways to spend less – like using coupons when you shop or eating at home instead of going out. You’ll have fun, and your savings will be the score that keeps getting higher.

Get Friends or Family in on It

Doing things with others can make a challenge a lot easier. Share your saving goals with friends or family, and help each other out. Maybe you can all put in a little money each week and watch it grow together. It makes it a shared adventure instead of a solo slog.

Celebrate the Small Wins

Each time you put money into savings, you’re winning. So give yourself a little reward. Not by spending a lot of money, but by doing something you enjoy that’s free or cheap – like watching a favorite movie, taking a walk in a pretty park, or just basking in the good feeling that you’re on your way to reaching your goal..

Saving money isn't about making life less fun. It's about making smart choices little by little. And like a secret stash of treats that you only touch now and then, you'll find joy in seeing your savings grow bit by bit.

If you're finding it tough to start saving money, that's understandable. Many people do. Sometimes, it can really help to have someone to talk to, who can give you advice and show you how to make it easier.

As a coach, my job is to listen to you and understand your situation. Then, I can give you advice that's simple and easy to put into action. We can work together at your own speed, and I’ll help you find ways to save money without making you feel stressed or overwhelmed.

If this sounds like the help you need, I'm here to provide it. Just a simple conversation could start you on your way to saving money in a way that makes sense for you.