Every little bit helps...

**MomToTwoBoys** · 07-12-2009, 12:51 AM

I notice that a lot of people have concerns about their EF lately and I'm here to let you in on a few things that may help:

1) Every little bit helps.

Even if you can only afford $20 a month into your EF, do it! Some people may think that it's not enough to make a difference, but I'll be honest with you...

it's better than nothing.

Sure, you could spend that $20 on something else. However, when you think about the way that the economy has been and how many times you may have needed that $20 for an important expense, that $20 in savings is doing you more good than harm. Toss it in and even if you don't get any interest on it, it's better being in your savings account than burning a hole in your pocket.

2) Make room in your budget for all the good reasons.

Money in your EF should be a good enough reason to make room in your budget, but some people like looking at the bigger picture. They may see the use of the money they're putting into their EF as a way for them to expand the entertainment budget or buy a couple of steaks for a nice dinner at home. The big thing to remember is that no matter what, those little niceties can always wait. Sure, there's the fine line of being satisfied and being miserable when it comes to the budget. But by putting that money into your EF, you're not being miserable because you're poorer than before and you're satisfied because you have wiggle room in case something happens. I can guarantee you that even with all of the negatives you may uncover, the silver lining in the cloud will always make it seem like that $10 you saved on your utility bill to put it in to savings for your EF is doing you a world of good.

3) Take time to enjoy what you've done.

Admire your work. Smile at it. Give it a wink. Be happy! If you always grumble and gripe about the negatives, when will you have time to be proud of what you've done? Never!

Happiness never cost anyone a dime... it should never have to.

In just two months of putting money into our EF/Slush Fund, we're not only more comfortable with our financial situation but we're also able to admire our own work. Sure, we could pull out of that and use it on things we may only like for a day or two... but what good does that do?

For those who are struggling with the EF, don't give up! Good things come to those who wait.

**MommyBliss** · 07-12-2009, 12:58 AM

Thank you! I needed to be reminded of this!

**mauimagic** · 07-12-2009, 01:10 AM

Mahalo - that really helps. I am having $20 taken out twice a month automatically and am going to reaise it to $40. I really won't notice and our EF will multiply even faster!!!

**ruderring** · 07-12-2009, 09:39 AM

I agree with this so much. We have paid off some debts this year and we continue to still have the money that was automatically withdrawn and now put it into to our savings account. We will have an other debt paid in Aug. and I am intending to do the same with that money. Just by doing this it really does make me feel better and confident that if something were to happen like car repairs or such we could pay cash. We unfortunately already had to do this but it was a nice feeling to pay 700$ cash for the fix. Now if I would just stop thinking Oh we have this money sitting in our savings we could transfer to buy .... I have stopped myself quite a few times by using a wait and see in 30 days method. It has really worked. I find that I really didn't need the item so much or that I can find it a garage sale/thrift shop or if it is a newer item my hubby is a whiz at finding the best possible deals on the net. This has saved us tons of money. Also I think if I can borrow the item if it is something that I only need briefly I do this. So overall every little bit does help.

**Incognito** · 07-12-2009, 09:55 AM

A drop in the bucket doesn't seem like much, but if you wait a while, the pail starts filling up and you've got something to work with.
And I agree with setting aside some money, however little, for the things you think are important, so I'll find a jar, and drop a quarter or a dollar into it for Christmas presents, or a pair of good winter boots for myself, and sooner or later there's something to work with, and the goal is accomplished.

**McD** · 07-12-2009, 10:13 AM

We recently moved our savings account back to the bank where all of our checking accounts are and I have found mysef putting more and more into savings. It's a great feeling!

**nodmicks** · 07-12-2009, 11:24 AM

Great post!!!!

**jlaporte** · 07-12-2009, 11:35 AM

ty it so hits home. i was going to start doing this and add 5 bucks every pay period to go towards a night out. i think we all need a good time away too

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 07-12-2009, 03:58 PM

You are right. Little bits of money do add up. This beach vacation we are taking? All little bits of money of money I have saved for years. Change here and there, rebates, ad money, etc. I have it documented in my notebook. Never did we add more than $100 at a time and that was rare. Save those little bits, and they will turn into a lot.

**mauimagic** · 07-12-2009, 04:04 PM

I am so glad that this thread exists. I went online and instead of adding to my current account, I started another automatic account of $50 twice a month!! You are all so inspirational!! My first account is already up to $281!!