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September 20, 2011 | | | Small Changes Equal Big Money | | | The Tip:
If you want more money to invest, you can probably find it, and it doesn't take a lot to make a big difference in your retirement account.
The great thing about investing for the long term is that even the smallest changes can have a huge impact on your bottom line. So what changes, large or small, do real people make to reach their retirement savings goals? Dave's Facebook fans were eager to share their strategies.
Lifestyle Change Bonus
Lots of folks gave up or cut back on cable TV. Shaunnesy Rodriguez cut her bill down to $12 a month, a savings of approximately $60 on the average cable bill. Invested into a growth stock mutual fund averaging 12% growth, that will add more than $211,000 to her retirement fund in 30 years!
A lot of people kicked bad habits to fund their retirement savings. Ed Hopkins gave up smoking. Besides adding a quarter of a million dollars to his retirement fund (based on a three-pack-a-week habit), he'll also save on life insurance premiums and health care costs! Tammy Gifford has cut out her $3-per-day candy bar and cola snack—saving $65 a month.
Lots of people cut back on eating in restaurants—a classically gazelle-intense move that also helps pay off debt. A family of four can easily save $100 just cutting out two restaurant meals per month. And that cash is handy for building a college fund.
Do It Yourself
Several people decided to give up their expensive pampering services, like manicures and pedicures. Morgan Thomas said she's saving $100 a month by doing her own nails. Angie Fischer will save her $40 monthly gym membership and work out for free by walking, biking or doing yard work.
Speaking of yard work, one family cut their lawn mowing service, saving $2,400 a year. That's $705,000 they can add to their retirement account!
We also found several suggestions for painless ways to save.
- Invest any bonuses or raises instead of spending them.
- Round up all purchases to the nearest dollar and invest the spare change. Shera Taylor had $26 in her "round-up fund" the first week.
- Review and change your auto and homeowner's insurance and invest any savings.
And we can't leave out the moms who contribute to their retirement savings every week by using coupons, making their own baby food, and using cloth diapers instead of disposable.
Get Started With Expert Advice
Investing for retirement will always involve some level of sacrifice, so make sure your efforts aren't going to waste. Talk to an investing pro to help you create a retirement plan you can depend on to build wealth for your future. Dave's investing Endorsed Local Providers (ELPs) are experienced experts who can help you get started on your plan today!
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