When you start working, you may make a lot of money, or you could
just be making ends meet. If you're a 20-something who's just started out, here
are a few tips on how to save and spend money.
1. Spend but put a limit on it.
When you start earning your own money, the urge to spend is
overwhelming. You don't need to ask mom and dad for pocket money anymore. You
have your own money and you want to buy yourself nice things. This is normal.
But just so you don't spend all your money, put a limit on it. For instance,
say you'll spend BD 100 on non-essential items that make you happy. Try not to
spend more than that every month. Once you've crossed the limit, only if you're
really craving something, then buy it.
2. Save at least 10% of your salary every month.
I'm sure you've heard this advice before. It's popular because
it's doable and pragmatic. Put away at least 10%, if not more, of your salary
every month. This will come in handy when you suddenly need a dental operation
or you have to get your car fixed.
3. Save money towards a goal.
Set a goal and save money for it. It could be a dream vacation, a
beautiful piece of furniture, or the latest phone. Doing this will create a
good habit of getting used to delayed gratification, and help you move away
from the problem of wanting something 'now'.
4. Save using a fixed saving scheme.
In one of my first jobs I opened an account where my bank would
automatically pull BD 50 from my savings account every month into a fixed saving scheme. I signed up for a 2
year contract and if I wanted to break it, the bank would charge a fee. I
didn't make much interest on it but I knew that I wouldn't save money unless I
did this. So every month, without fail, BD 50 would be debited from my account
to another saving account. After 2 years I used that money to go on a dream
trip to Italy. Giving someone else control to save money for you can sometimes
be the best thing.
5. Save 3 months salary.
Put away money equivalent to 3 months salary. If you lose your job
or decide to quit, this saving will be a good back-up and you won't be
desperate to get another job quickly just because you're broke.
6. Be careful who you lend money to.
There will be times when a friend or family member requires money
urgently. You want to be nice and help them out, but be careful. Don't put
yourself into trouble trying to help them. Also, lend money only to people who
you implicitly trust and who you know will give it back dutifully. You're not a
bank.
Money can't buy you happiness, but it can definitely make you feel
more confident and secure. It's an important resource and needs to be well
taken care of. Manage your money so it never ends up managing you.
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