I get it. You look at your bank account and think there is nothing to save. You barely make enough to cover bills. How are you supposed to put money aside when you are already struggling?
I have been there. Here is the truth: saving money when you are broke is hard. But it is not impossible.
Start Embarrassingly Small
Forget $1,000 goals. Forget 20% of your income. Start with $5 a week. That is nothing. You will not even miss it. But at the end of a year, you will have $260.
The $1 Trick
There is this weird trick that works. Round up every purchase to the next dollar. Save the difference. It sounds stupid but adds up to $30-50 a month.
Automate It
Set up your bank to transfer $10 to savings every payday. Before you see it. Before you can spend it. What you do not see, you do not miss.
One Subscription at a Time
Look at your bank statement right now. I guarantee there is something you forgot you were paying for. Cancel it. That money goes to savings instead.
The Change Jar Method
Keep a jar at home. Throw in all your loose change. At the end of the year, cash it in. Last time I did this, it was $180.
It Gets Easier
Seriously. The first month is the hardest. By month three, it becomes a habit. By month six, you actually look forward to seeing how much you saved.
You Can Do This
No matter how little you think you have, you can save something. Start today. Open a savings account. Transfer $5. It matters.