Get Ahead by Paying Yourself First!

How much do you save each month?

You may be making 401(k), 403(b), or ESPP contributions out of your paycheck. But what else? Are you saving for your other goals each month? Or just when money is “left over?”

Are you just contributing to your IRA at the end of the year (or right around tax time), and only if you “have the money?” Do you only set up a retirement plan for your self-employed business if you have “extra” at the end of the year?

Savings must come off the top, first, if you are going to save consistently for your goals. Otherwise, the money will usually get spent - just like space always gets filled. If you have the money in your checking account, you will find a “good use” for the money.

Most banks, credit unions, and brokerages have automatic savings or transfer programs, where on a certain date each month you can have money transferred automatically to your savings, investment, or retirement account.

You can even set up your brokerage to automatically take those funds and invest them in your pre-selected mutual funds each month, or quarter. Not only do you dollar-cost average (a great consistent investing strategy), you will never have the problem of cash building up in your account, and missing out on returns because you were sitting out on the market.

Action Step: Enroll in the automatic saving program at your bank, credit union, or brokerage. Commit to save each and every paycheck or month, whether it is $20, $200, or $2000.

“Money Maven” Elizabeth Potts Weinstein, CFP(r), JD, helps women achieve their most important life goals through financial planning, money coaching, classes, books, and The Money Mastermind membership community. To get her free Special Report, How to Avoid the Top 10 Money Mistakes, go to http://www.TheWealthSpa.com