Madison, Wisconsin: Managing your finances and creating a savings account is about seeing the big picture. It’s all about staying motivated. These quotes will help you stay motivated and achieve your goals.
Two of my favorite words are “big picture.” Simple, easy to remember, and helps bring clarity to my life on a daily basis.
While learning something new at the workplace can be difficult, this skill or knowledge will often simplify the process and save time.
While the car is more expensive, it offers excellent maintenance reviews and has high safety ratings.
Yes, I love cake for breakfast. But, a little protein can get me through the day until lunch.
Big picture.
If you find yourself struggling for savings inspiration, we’ve collected some of our favorite quotes to help you “keep your eyes on the prize.” Whether you keep a post-it note on the fridge, keep a picture in your daily planner, or go all out with a visualization board, the right quote can help refocus your immediate and long-term financial goals.
“A bargain ain’t a bargain unless it’s something you need.” — Sidney Carroll
If you are prone to shop for bargains, this is a great reminder. How much are you really saving if it’s not something you actually need? Then imagine how much you’ll save if you don’t purchase at all!
“Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.” — Henry David Thoreau
Spending time with family and friends will be remembered by them more than the material things you have bought. With a DCCU Holiday Savings Account in Madison, you can still save for the holidays but also consider adventures or experiences to share.
“Money looks better in the bank account than on your feet.” — Sophia Amoruso
A balance in your savings account will have more impact in the long run than this season’s newest styles.
“It is never too early to encourage long-term savings.” — Ron Lewis
This is the best time to have open discussions about needs and wants with your little ones. These thoughts can be planted now to see them grow over time.
“By definition, saving – for anything – requires us to not get things now so that we can get bigger ones later.” — Jean Chatzky
While a weekend away each month sounds amazing, I would rather keep that home equity line available for home efficiency improvements I’ve been planning since winter.
“Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.” — Benjamin Franklin
You can limit your $5 daily latte or lunch out to Fridays. Over a month, that’s an additional $80 towards your Emergency Fund or that new washer/dryer you know you will need this year. Small purchases here and there will not sabotage your plans IF you’re diligent about tracking your spending habits.
“When I was young I used to think that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am old, I know it is.” — Oscar Wilde
With online banking and a variety of savings accounts (including IRAs), it’s never been easier to start saving for your future. It may not feel like there isn’t much to contribute now but paying yourself first will make a difference down the line.
“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” — Warren Buffett
If “planting a tree” or making those first steps is too daunting, let the folks at DCCU review savings options with you. Sometimes it’s making that very first call to set you on the path to financial security that is the most important.
“Stop buying things you don’t need, to impress people you don’t even like.” — Suze Orman
While there is something to be said for investing in quality pieces that will increase in value over time, it’s also about keeping your goals in mind. While it’s tempting to have my 1999 car painted for the next 150,000 miles, those funds are better spent on maintaining the car than making it prettier.
“A budget is telling your money where to go, instead of wondering where it went.” — John C. Maxwell
You will also need to pay yourself first every payday. A budget will help you keep track of your finances throughout the year and month. You can use The Hub to see where funds have been applied for bills, essentials, and incidentals. (It’s those incidentals we have to watch.)
“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” — Eleanore Roosevelt
Even though visualization boards and quotes can be inspiring, you need to have a plan. Saving 20% down payment for a new house is a great goal but it’s breaking down that goal to mini-monthly goals that will help you make it happen.
“Save one third, live on one-third, and give away one-third.” — Angelina Jolie
This really highlights the points: be honest with yourself, live within your means and allow for donations.
“Don’t tell me what you value, show me your budget, and I’ll tell you what you value.” — Joe Biden
Even though the frivolous purchases are fun at the moment, you should consider that purchase on autorepeat. Are you more concerned about having new shoes each season than having security in your own home?
“Financial peace isn’t the acquisition of stuff. It’s learning to live on less than you make, so you can give money back and have money to invest. You can’t win until you do this.“ — Dave Ramsey
It’s a good idea to think about when you get a raise at work. You can eat out less often or add more cable to your package. Continue living within your existing budget (pre-raise), and apply that additional income to saving, debt relief, donating, or investing. Your financial goals will give you more security than any new electronic toy or video game.
“Every time you borrow money, you’re robbing your future self.” — Nathan W. Morris
Sometimes borrowing money is a necessity. It is important to find a way not only to repay it but also to avoid reliving the same situation over and over again. Living in an apartment that is beyond my means will result in me living out of my budget. I will be less likely to borrow money if I can change my lifestyle to stay within my means. More importantly, I am more likely to be in a position to save for my “future self.”
“Never spend your money before you have it.” — Thomas Jefferson
While saving up for major purchases can help reduce debt, it will also keep your budget in check. Yes, I could just charge for a washer/dryer then spend the next year repaying it. But, I could delay the purchase to avoid both interest and debt.
Last but not the least:
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” — Thomas A. Edison
Instead of focusing on what hasn’t worked, keep in mind all the ways you have learned to successfully manage your finances. From eating out less often to using online banking, you’ve probably made more progress than you realize.
If you are looking to focus in your “big picture” goals, contact your favorite DCCU staff member and see what a little planning can do with some inspiration.
