Having difficulty saving money? Don’t fret! In a recent survey, half of the respondents admitted their intention to save – but only a small percent successfully did!

The culprit? A systematic means of keeping money saved!

Here are tips you can try in saving and keeping money saved!

Pay yourself first - After getting your pay slip at the end of the month, set aside an amount as personal savings – representing your reward for having worked hard the entire month. Set this amount aside in a safe account – one that is free from your own temptations to spend!!!

Create a budget and stick to it – to ensure you do not spend unnecessarily, work on a budget and stick to it. This means saying NO to unnecessary items – even if it is on sale.

Here are tips in making sure you work your budget when going to the grocery:

• Always write a shopping list. Stick to your list; this safeguards you from buying unnecessary items that often find their way into your shopping cart. It saves money and time too.
• Eat BEFORE you go to the grocery, otherwise if you’re hungry you tend to buy everything off the shelves and you end up spending beyond your budgeted list.
• Buy in bulk – soap, toilet papers, travel tissues are special buy when in bulk, you will save money and know you’ll use it all… eventually.
  

Stick to essentials – fond of aperitifs and after-dinner drinks? Consider cutting down on non-essentials and save the money instead!

Walk to health – now that the cost of gasoline is sky-high, you may want to walk down the street instead of bringing the car to do your errands. It will save you gas and improve your health too!