The Savvy Life

By Melissa Tosetti

One of the major goals of Savvy Living is to save 20% of your income so you can spend the rest with abandon.

Now, if you haven't been able to reach that 20% goal yet, that is ok.  It can often take 3 – 5 years to get to that point.  What is important is that you're saving something and that you have created the habit of saving. Just remember to always be on the lookout for opportunities to increase the amount going into savings.  That strong financial foundation is key.

At the same time, and here is where things can get a little tricky, you have to give yourself permission to spend the money that is left over after you have taken care of your true needs such as: 

• Automatically put money into your savings accounts
• Paid your bills
• Bought groceries
• Bought gas (or whatever you need in order to get to work to get that next paycheck)

If you do not give yourself some freedom around spending, there is too much potential to get frustrated and stop saving altogether.

Now this is where you need to be very honest with yourself and find a balancing point as you decide how much money you are going to allow yourself to spend as you please.