Each month, you settle down to pay bills. You pay your mortgage lender. You pay the electric company. But, do you pay yourself? One of the most basic tenets of sound investing involves the simple habit of “paying yourself first” – in other words, making your first payment of each month a deposit into your savings account.
The saving patterns of Americans vary widely. And too often, short-term economic trends can interrupt long-term savings programs. For example, the U.S. Personal Savings Rate jumped from 2.9% in April 2008 to 7.3% in May 2008 during the housing and banking crisis. It then rose and fell sporadically as the economic environment appeared to stabilize. As of 2023, the average rate has fallen significantly from COVID-era highs of 33.8% in April 2020 to 4.3% as of June 2023.1
The Genius of Pay Yourself First
Anyone who’s ever managed their own finances knows that saving can be a challenge. There seems to be an endless stream of expenses that demand a piece of each month’s paycheck. Here lies the genius of paying yourself first: you get what’s at the top of the bucket, and not the leftovers at the bottom.
The trick is to prioritize. Make it a point to put your future first. At first, saving may mean a small lifestyle change. But most individuals want to see their net worth increase steadily. For them, finding ways to save becomes more of a long-term commitment than a short-term challenge.
Putting Your Money to Work
What will you do with the money you save?
If retirement is your priority, consider taking advantage of tax-advantaged investments. Employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, can be a great way to save because the money comes out of your paycheck before you even see it. Also, as an added incentive, some employers offer to match a percentage of your contributions.2
For money you may want to access before retirement, consider placing the funds in a separate account. When the balance hits your target, you may want to move the money into investments that offer the potential for higher returns. Of course, this may mean exposing your money to more volatility, so you’ll want to choose vehicles that fit your risk tolerance, time horizon, and long-term goals.
In the pursuit of growing wealth, sound habits can be your most valuable asset. Develop the habit of “paying yourself first” today. The sooner you begin, the more potential your savings may have to grow. Not sure where to start? Creating a financial plan could be key. Reach out to a financial professional, like the team at Emerj360, for insights on saving for your financial future.
- Fred.StLouisFed.org, 2023
- In most circumstances, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plan in the year you turn 73. Withdrawals from your 401(k) or other defined contribution plans are taxed as ordinary income, and if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.
