You hear the term “save now” a lot – on television commercials or signs when you are out shopping. While it can be helpful to save money on the items you purchase regularly, actual savings are the ones you proactively set aside to support your retirement goals earlier, have emergency funds or create an extra cushion for greater financial peace of mind. These six tips can help you boost your savings today.

Stay Cognizant of Small Purchases

Sometimes, even a well-planned budget can go awry if you are not vigilant. You may not think small purchases like a cup of coffee or takeout lunch will put a dent in your wallet. However, these smaller expenses can really add up! Find a way to keep track of your regular expenses, even the seemingly insignificant ones, to avoid creating a snowball effect with your spending.

Automatic Roundups and Deposits

Check out apps that allow you to round up purchases you made on your debit or credit cards that go directly into a savings account. For instance, if you spend $3.25 on a cup of coffee, $4.00 will come out of your account or balance with $0.75 going into a savings account. You can also set up automatic transfers in your checking account to redirect a portion of your funds into a savings account. These are easy ways to build your savings!

The 30-Day Rule

A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 30 days before making a purchase that may impact your budget.  After that timeframe, the novelty has likely worn off, and you’ll have a better sense for if you still want the item or service.

Meet with a Financial Planner

If you want to gain confidence to meet your savings goals or establish a long-term financial plan, enlist the help of a financial planner. You can set up a meeting with an expert who can help ensure you’re on the right track and provide more tips based on your lifestyle.

Building your savings may sound challenging, but when you save even a little bit of money here and there, you may be surprised to see how it adds up over time.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Ameris Bank does not endorse nor is affiliated with the companies listed in this article.

_{Source: https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/30-day-spending-rule/}