3 reasons why you should start saving money today (2024)

How much you should save depends on your financial goals. You may have a tangible goal you want to pursue, like taking a year off work to travel. In that case, you want to estimate how much you’ll need not only to cover the cost of travel, but also to cover regular living expenses if you don’t plan to make an income during this period.

If one of your reasons to save money is to gain flexibility, you can set a specific amount aside each month (hint: automate your savings) based on what you can afford to save after things like retirement savings and emergency fund contributions.

Roberge says that you could label that savings account your “build wealth fund.” The importance of saving money here is to give you cash reserves that you can use when and how you want.

2. Saving provides financial security

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“I love saving money because it means financial security,” says Kara Perez, who founded a financial education company that aims to empower women by providing them with the tools and education to reach their financial goals.

“Plain and simple, having money makes your life easier,” Perez says. “I save because I want my future self to have the same great lifestyle I have now, and I don’t want to get caught in a financial emergency.”

3 reasons why you should start saving money today (3)

Perez recommends putting money in both a liquid savings account where you can keep cash for unexpected expenses and emergencies, as well as putting money into something like a brokerage account where you can invest for the future.

3. Saving means you can take calculated risks

Part of the importance of saving money is to build cash reserves so you can take calculated risks with less worry. If you don’t have any savings, it may be harder to pursue certain passions. Take starting a business, for example. To be a small business owner, you’ll need financial backing to get it off the ground.

3 reasons why you should start saving money today (4)

But if you set a savings goal and contribute to your savings each month, you can explore new opportunities, even if they may temporarily impact your earnings (if you set off as a small business owner, paychecks could be slow to come at the start).

“Saving gives you the freedom to live life on your own terms,” says Matt Becker, CFP® and founder of a financial planning practicefocused on new parents.

“When I lost my job three years ago, my wife and I used that as an opportunity to start the businesses we’d been dreaming about, rather than scrambling to find another paycheck as quickly as possible,” Becker says. “We could only make that decision because of the years we’d spent building our savings.”

3 reasons why you should start saving money today (5)

Why you should save money

The importance of saving money is simple: It allows you to enjoy greater security in your life. If you have cash set aside for emergencies, you have a fallback should something unexpected happen. And, if you have savings set aside for discretionary expenses, you may be able to take risks or try new things. Pretty good reasons to save money, right?

If you’re convinced as to why you should save money, you can get in a savings groove by opening an online savings account. And good news: It doesn’t take a lifestyle overhaul to become a saver. There are simple ways to save money, which you can start practicing today. Once you’re in the habit of saving, you’ll forget there was ever a time when you didn’t save.

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3 reasons why you should start saving money today (2024)

FAQs

3 reasons why you should start saving money today? ›

First, we save for an emergency fund. Second, we save for purchases. Third, we save for wealth building. Purchases and wealth building are fun, but we can't do any of that until we cover the basics—the emergency fund.

What are the three basic reasons to save money *? ›

First, we save for an emergency fund. Second, we save for purchases. Third, we save for wealth building. Purchases and wealth building are fun, but we can't do any of that until we cover the basics—the emergency fund.

What are the three importance of saving? ›

Most people know they should be saving a portion of their income, but they might not grasp all of the benefits of doing so. Saving is an important habit to get into for a number of reasons — it helps you cover future expenses, manage financial stress and plan for vacations, just to name a few.

What are two ways you might benefit if you started saving today? ›

Saving provides a financial “backstop” for life's uncertainties and increases feelings of security and peace of mind. Once an adequate emergency fund is established, savings can also provide the “seed money” for higher-yielding investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

Why do you think we need to save money? ›

Long-Term Security

The future is unpredictable, and financial emergencies can crop up anytime. Saving money allows you to create a safety net for your future expenses as well as unplanned financial needs. The more you save, the more peace of mind you have, as you are better prepared for anything life throws at you.

What are 3 benefits advantages of saving your money at a bank? ›

Saving at a bank helps you manage your finances in a more organized and planned manner. Having a savings account lets you separate funds used for daily needs from savings funds. You can also check your savings funds' incoming and outgoing flows through neatly recorded transaction history or account mutations.

What are the three 3 functions of money which is the most important one? ›

Money functions as a medium of exchange, allowing individuals to trade goods and services with one another. It also serves as a store of value, allowing people to save wealth over time. Lastly, it functions as a unit of value, enabling people to compare the worth of different items.

What are the 5 advantages of money? ›

But cash offers other important functions and benefits:
  • It ensures your freedom and autonomy. ...
  • It's legal tender. ...
  • It ensures your privacy. ...
  • It's inclusive. ...
  • It helps you keep track of your expenses. ...
  • It's fast. ...
  • It's secure. ...
  • It's a store of value.

What are 3 disadvantages of saving? ›

The disadvantages of using personal savings:
  • You're limited to what you can afford: your savings may only get you so far.
  • It's risky to spend all your savings: you might need your savings for a personal emergency.
  • Your responsibility for success: having more people behind your business could lead to more success.
Mar 15, 2024

What are benefits of money? ›

Money allows us to meet our basic needs—to buy food and shelter and pay for healthcare. Meeting these needs is essential, and if we don't have enough money to do so, our personal wellbeing and the wellbeing of the community as a whole suffers greatly.

When should I start saving money? ›

One key short-term goal to plan for is the need for an emergency fund. According to Bankrate, your emergency fund should equal three to six months of bills. CNN Money suggests that you start saving for long-term retirement goals in your 20s, as soon as you leave school.

What are the pros and cons of saving? ›

Savings account benefits include safety for your savings, interest earnings and easy access to your money. However, savings accounts may have drawbacks, such as variable interest rates, minimum balance requirements and fees.

Which is not a key to saving money? ›

To have a negative savings rate means spending more money than you make and acquiring debt. The key to saving money is to: focus, make saving a habit and a priority, and discipline. Your income is not a key to saving money.

Why is it important to pay yourself first? ›

If a financial emergency arises, this strategy can help you weather the storm. Ultimately, paying yourself first is about putting yourself first, which helps make sure you're prepared for whatever's yet to come.

Should you really save money? ›

To ensure you have an adequate amount to cover a worst-case scenario, stashing away a portion of every paycheck is key. Financial security set aside, there are many other benefits that savings can provide.

What is the key to saving money? ›

8 simple ways to save money
  • Record your expenses. The first step to start saving money is figuring out how much you spend. ...
  • Include saving in your budget. ...
  • Find ways to cut spending. ...
  • Determine your financial priorities. ...
  • Pick the right tools. ...
  • Make saving automatic.
  • Watch your savings grow.

What are the two main reasons why someone would want to save money? ›

The three reasons for saving are: to purchase a planned good or service in the future; to buy a good or service that people suddenly see and want; and to deal with emergencies and unexpected events.

What are the three rules of wealth building? ›

In conclusion, these three rules—saving and investing, allocating funds for happiness, and nurturing healthy financial relationships—are key to building wealth and financial well-being.

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