How much money did you save last year? If your savings fell short of your goals, don’t give up. You can still take charge of your financial future. Here are tips to become a successful saver.

Set goals

Give your saving a purpose. Do you want to accumulate an emergency fund with enough cash to cover six months of living expenses? Other saving goals may include a college savings fund, vacation fund, or a fund for major purchases.

Treat your savings as your most important monthly bill

Write a check to savings first, or have your savings automatically deducted from your checking account or paycheck.

Take advantage of tax-deferred retirement accounts

If your employer offers a 401(k) or SIMPLE retirement plan, contribute the maximum amount allowed. No employer plan available? Contribute to an individual retirement account. The money you contribute can reduce your taxable income and grow tax-deferred.

Track your expenses

Highlight and eliminate unnecessary or wasteful spending. Control the use of your credit cards. The amount you pay each month in finance charges could go to savings instead. Get in the habit of giving yourself a regular cash allowance, and try to live with it.

For help in setting financial goals and developing a savings plan, call us.

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