**Collaborative post**
Setting yourself some savings goals is a good way to stay motivated with money. It can help you plan for your future, and keep you on track with your spending too. Saving for the things you want can help you avoid debt, as well as give you something to work towards.
So if you’re looking for some inspiration and a reason to save, check out some ideas for five things to save for now.
1. A holiday
It’s been a dreary time of late, so the prospect of a holiday will certainly be something to warm your spirits! Even if you’re not confident of booking quite yet, having the money set aside will mean you’re ready to book when travel opens up again. Even if going abroad isn’t in your plan, there are some great places to visit in the UK too.
2. Christmas
Christmas might feel like it was just yesterday, but it always seems to come as a shock towards the end of the year, leading to frantic saving and spending in the run-up to December. Why not make things a little easier on yourself this year by getting ahead with your Christmas saving? Learn to break some of your bad spending habits to help you start saving some extra pennies for Christmas.
3. Emergencies
Having emergency savings makes good financial sense. It can help cover unexpected events like damage to your home or car, or if you need some extra money due to a drop in your income. Life can be very unpredictable, so having a little money set aside in case you need to pay for divorce solicitors or an unexpected bill can be worth having. An emergency fund should be able to cover you if you are out of work for 6 months or more, and can continue to be added to really boost your financial situation.
4. Something on your luxury list
Not all saving has to be for something serious – why not save to treat yourself to something you really want? Perhaps there’s a handbag you’ve been lusting after or a pair of shoes? Saving towards something special can give you the motivation to save, and you’ll be rewarded for it at the end.
5. A rainy day
Sometimes you don’t need to save for something in particular. Saving for a rainy day means you can treat yourself when the time is right, or put your money to good use elsewhere. When that rainy day finally comes, you’ll be glad you’ve got the money there waiting.
There are a lot of ways you can save money, and some of them won’t have any effect on your day to day spending. Saving requires sacrifice, but it’s a sacrifice that can be worth it for the rewards. Decide on some savings goals and start putting those pennies aside!
