Saving for the things you need may be easier than you think. Reaching your goals will be easier with help. We’ve got four simple steps to help you jumpstart your savings habits.

1. Plan It! Choose a goal – everyone needs one as motivation for their savings efforts.
• Make a list of all the things you need. Then prioritize the list to the number 1 thing you need most, second and so on.
2. Pay off credit cards and other debt.
• Consider this: Let's say you put a vacation on your credit card and with an average interest rate of 17.99%, if you paid just the minimum payment on a $2,274 vacation, it would take you 34 years to pay it off and cost you an additional $5,974 in interest!
• A savings effort will be more successful when you reduce high interest debt.
3. With the help of Postel Family Credit Union, select savings plans that are right for you.
• How are you going to save? Where is the money going to come from – what expenses will be reduced or redirected to savings?
• How often are you going to save? Once a week? Once a month? Set a timeframe for when you need to reach your goals – this will impact how much you need to save.
• How are you going to put money into savings products?
• "Pay myself a check"
• Write myself a check
• Direct deposit
• Payroll deduction into an account that is not easily accessible
4. Start saving to build your financial independence!
• Saving even $10 a month is a start!