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4 steps to getting your savings plan on track

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It can be easy to feel worried and stressed about saving - especially if you didn’t start until later in life. But, no matter what anyone tells you, it’s never too late to begin saving. 

Don’t be paralyzed by regrets or what-ifs. Here’s how to get started in four simple steps.

1. Know how much you’re spending

To start saving, you need to figure out exactly how much you’re spending, and on what. Make a list of all your expenses, including:

  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Utility bills, like water, electricity, and heating
  • Groceries
  • Gas and/or public transportation
  • Credit card bills and other debt payments
  • Child care costs
  • Communication (phone, internet, cable, etc.)
  • Entertainment (streaming subscriptions, ordering takeout, books, etc.)

2. Connect with an advisor

An advisor’s expertise is priceless (well, at Meridian it’s free). Talking to an advisor about your priorities, dreams, and future hopes, helps them build a plan that goes beyond your budget and finances. Together, you can map out how you’re going to save and stay on track so that you get everything you want.

Talk to an advisor

3. Choose investments that fit your plan

Discuss investment options with your advisor. Some investments can seem risky and intimidating, but an expert can lay out all your options and recommend the path that’s right for you. It’s all about identifying your risk tolerance and resilience to volatility.

Compare potential investments with our investment growth calculator.

4. Make saving automatic

Once you’ve got your budget and you’ve decided on the right investment plan, figure out how much you can afford to put aside each month to grow your savings. Then, set up pre-authorized contributions. That way, a set amount of money is automatically  transferred to your savings on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis.

This way, you save without thinking about it and benefit from compound interest.

Here’s an example of how much your savings could grow with automatic contributions over 20 years. 

Chart showing how much you will save in 20 years if you make monthly automatic contributions

As you can see, making automatic monthly RRSP contributions of $1,000 at a 5% rate of return and investing your $1,500 annual tax refund in a TFSA could result in $254,472 in savings over the next 20 years.

A version of this article was originally published on December 8, 2020

Learn more about saving money

How to make a budget

What is a pre-authorized contribution plan?

Saving at every stage of life

Meridian Credit Union communications are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice or an opinion on any issue. We would be pleased to provide additional details or advice about specific situations if desired.

For permission to republish this content, please contact the Meridian Credit Union Marketing Department at communications@meridiancu.ca. ©️ 2023 Meridian Credit Union