How can we help ourselves to save more

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2 years ago

Let's say we have been given a choice whether to spend now or save money, most of us desire to spend now instead of saving in the future because everyone wants to live in the present rather than thinking about the future. The problem is not with anyone it's how our minds are designed, our minds respond to the immediate things instead of thinking for the long term. We, as individuals, have to train our minds to think long term and thus we have to train ourselves so that we keep saving for the future also in mind.

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We intend to save more but only intended to save is not enough. There is a saying that pays yourself first and the amount you should invest, i.e. save before spending. But most of us consider it as a loss, as it implies a decrease in your spending power. Along with that people need to have the self-control to change their habits of spending less, which is quite difficult. This is because we spend our time and energy on the near future i.e. what will happen tomorrow and how to enjoy tomorrow but very little in the distant future.

It is not correct that no one wants to save, it is just that in the decision-making moment we seek immediate gratification i.e. pleasure now trumps pleasure later. These problems are faced by all of us, where we want to have the pleasure today like a holiday today instead of saving for retirement. Then what is the solution to fixing it?

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We are biased towards the present i.e. instant rewards for us is higher than larger future rewards. Now we have to commit ourselves and have self-control so that this should change. I am not saying present bias is bad, but along with enjoying today, we should take care of our future. What if you do not have a job tomorrow, do you have money to sustain or do you have plan b. Today we have so much advanced technology, saving is quite easy. On the first day do an automated salary transfer to the investment account and do all the investment from there. The remaining amount can be used to spend along with that do not use a Credit card if you are done with the cash.

Increase the savings when our salary increases or when we get a bonus. When I used to get a bonus I used to pay off my loan so that in future I could invest the interest amount. We should not invest thinking it will be 10X or 100X in future, our main goal should be to save more without compromising the present.

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