Ready to make saving money a no-brainer? In today’s episode, we’re simplifying the process so you can build a savings system that practically runs itself. Whether you’re starting small or dreaming big, this is your step-by-step guide to stress-free saving! Sound like something you need? Well then, let’s get started!
Links for This Episode
- Check out these DIY Resources and Templates
- Download your FREE Family Budget Worksheet
- Join the Financial Fix Up Membership
Podcast Episode Recommendations
- #27: How to Save Money with a DIY Project
- #13: 5 Savings Funds Every Family Budget Needs
- #11: 1 Simple Way to Save Money on School Supplies for Next Year
- #6: Do You Need to Start an Emergency Fund Immediately?
Fresh Finance Challenge #6: Simple Savings Systems That Actually Work
Well hey there and welcome back to another episode of the Financial Fix Up Podcast. I’m your host, Sarah Brumley, and if saving money has ever felt overwhelming or out of reach – not to worry – you’re in the right place. Today is Day 6 of our Fresh Finance Challenge and we’re focused on simplifying the process of saving so that it works for you, your family AND your goals.
Because the truth is that savings doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, by building a system, you can remove the guesswork and create financial security step by step. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in.
Why a System Matters
First, it’s important to mention that a great savings system isn’t just about putting money aside – it’s about consistency. When you create a plan and automate it, you don’t have to think about saving; it happens on its own. This kind of system can help you stay on track, build that momentum we’ve been working towards, and – ultimately – reach your goals faster.
Savings Options
There are plenty of ways you can create a savings system, and really, it all depends on your style and your budgeting goals. So, a few I would suggest include:
- Open a Dedicated Savings Account:
This works especially well for things like emergency funds, vacations, holiday shopping and other yearly expenses that may come up. Now, I will say that personally we have a one emergency fund account that we use for that type of expense, but overall we use the Financial Fix Up Planner to track the rest of our savings goals and the money remains either in our general savings account or our checking account, depending on the purpose. Of course, if opening and managing several separate accounts works better for you, then by all means – do what works best!
- Automate Savings Transfers:
Even a small percentage of each paycheck can grow over time without you even noticing. You can do this automatically with a set amount to a savings account each time you get paid, or you could choose to use an app or maybe your bank does it that allow you to round up a certain amount for each transaction you make. I’ve actually used this method for years and every year it’s allowed us to have a sizeable amount for our Christmas fund – without even noticing that it’s happening. I’m actually going to link to an article I wrote to give you all the details about how that worked for us, so if you want to check that out, you can find it in the show notes. But automating savings transfers, whether that’s round ups or a certain dollar amount each pay period, can definitely help.
- Cash Envelopes
If you have some short term goals and don’t want to worry about whether the cash will be there when you need it, you might consider using some envelopes to help with this. Pull the amount of money you want to save each pay period or month, and tuck it into the envelope for when you need it. I think this can be really effective if you need the action of putting the money in the envelope to help you stay on track, however, if the temptation to spend it is too great, this might not be the right choice for you. And obviously, this is only a good choice for very short-term goals, because you don’t want to lose out on interest you could be making if you were using a savings account instead.
Start Small, Think Big
You don’t need to save hundreds of dollars at once. Even $5 or $10 each week can add up over time. The key is consistency. Once you see your savings grow, it’ll motivate you to save even more.
But that starts with having a strategy in place to make it happen.
Day 6: Take Action
Alrighty, it’s time to take action. And your mission for today is to take a concrete step toward setting up a savings system that works for you.
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose Your Savings Method
- If you don’t already have a savings account tied to your goal, now’s the time to set one up. Bonus points if you can give it a fun name like “Family Vacation Fund” or “Rainy Day Backup.” Having that specific goal tied to your account makes it feel more real.
- Not a fan of digital? No problem. You can go old-school with a cash envelope or even a mason jar for smaller, short-term goals.
- Automate Your Savings
- If you can, set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings. It doesn’t have to be a lot—$10 a week, $20 per paycheck, or even spare change from purchases using a roundup app. Once it’s set up, you won’t even have to think about it!
- Set a Weekly or Monthly Goal
- Decide how much you’re going to save every week or month. Start small—whatever feels realistic for your family right now. The point is to create the habit, not to stress yourself out trying to save too much too soon.
- Link It to Your Goal
- Remember the family goal we talked about on Day 4? Let this savings system work toward that. For example, if your goal is a summer trip, figure out how much you need and break it down into smaller amounts to save each month. Seeing that progress will keep everyone motivated!
- Make It Visible
- Track your progress in a way that works for your family. Maybe it’s a chart on the fridge or a savings tracker in an app. Watching that number grow—or even just adding coins to a jar—can make saving feel rewarding and keep you going.
That’s it! You don’t need to do it all at once. Just pick one step and start today. Even small, consistent efforts will get you closer to the financial freedom you’re working toward.
What Simple Savings Systems Will You Use?
And there you have it! Day 6 of the Fresh Finance Challenge is in the books and you know what that means! Tomorrow is Day 7 and the start of a brand new year of possibilities. We’ll be wrapping up this challenge with a special episode designed to help you step into the new year with confidence and clarity so that you can achieve the goals that matter most to you. So, don’t forget to click subscribe if you haven’t already.
And if you’re still struggling with how to get that budget set up, create your financial goals, or even keep track of your savings, well then you’ll definitely want to grab your copy of the Financial Fix Up Planner. You can grab yours today at lemonblessings.com/planner.
Whatever you decide, just know that I’m cheering you on! You’ve got this! Have an amazing day and I’ll chat with you again next time!
