Why save money? Money provides what we need and what we want. No matter how big or how small your wants are, like a pair of basketball shoes or a brand new car, saving money and being able to budget will help you acquire your wants in no time. Saving hundreds of dollars is easier than you may think. You don’t have to give up everything. 

There are many easy ways to save money—such as trimming small daily expenses—that can help you make significant contributions to your savings account. Saving even small amounts of money can be very beneficial in the long term. Whether you’re a boba or a Starbucks drinker, cutting back on Starbucks or boba for 1 out of the 7 days of the week could help you save around $240 per year. 

Another huge factor for saving is packing your own lunch.  A fast-food meal usually costs around  $10 to $15, whereas making your lunch would cost half the price. That’s another $5 to $10 you could be saving and can add up to more than $500 per year. 

Lastly, use your local library! They are gold-mines of free entertainment. They offer several resource options including classes, e-books, and audio-books. Some libraries even allow you to borrow items like tools and sewing machines! 

If your daily expenses are so high that you can’t save as much as you’d like, it might be time to cut back. You don’t have to cut back on all expenses(there would be nothing exciting about your life then). However,  be able to identify the nonessentials that you can spend less on. 

One of the best ways to save money is to set a goal. Start by thinking of what you might want to save for—perhaps a car, a video game, or clothes you’ve been wanting since the beginning of the year. Then, figure out how much money you’ll need and how long it might take you to save it. Afterward, review your budget and check your progress every month. The power of habit is almost as important as the power of time when it comes to money. A habit is just something you do automatically; you don’t have to think about it too much. If you start the habit of saving money now, that habit will always be with you. Every dollar you get—whether it’s a gift, an allowance, or pay from a job—get into the habit of saving a portion of it. Not only will this help you stick to your personal savings plan, but it also helps you identify and save money for the future.