• What Is OWN?
    Watch the preview!
    GO
  • Money News
    Advice and tools to manage your money
    GO

Give Your Savings a Bonus

By Jean Chatzky
Your bonus. You may have been counting on some of your bonus to cover expenses. But be sure to sock a generous percentage of it away in savings.

Savers are, in general, happier people.  They feel more secure because they not only have enough money to bail themselves out of a jam, but they are also doing something positive for their future. Financial advisers, unfortunately, often draw a random line in the sand and advocate saving 10 percent of whatever it is you make. Problem is, it's much too difficult for most people to start there, particularly if they're saving for the very first time. If the bar is set too high, set it lower. Try 3 percent. If that's easy enough, try 5 percent. 

If you haven't already, track your spending and saving. Write down everything you spend money on for a solid month, using this spending tracker.  PDF

 

Please note: This is general information and is not intended to be legal advice. You should consult with your own financial advisor before making any major financial decisions, including investments or changes to your portfolio, and a qualified legal professional before executing any legal documents or taking any legal action. Harpo Productions, Inc. and its affiliated companies and entities is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your financial or legal decisions.