Toi Tupu Savings 101

Toi Tupu Savings 101 – Part One

Looking for the best ways to save some pūtea?

Saving is important for all whānau, not just for those rainy days but for investing in a better future. Last Tukuna, we took a look at what an investment is and why you should sign up for Toi Tupu.

Saving outside of what we invest is important too and in this edition of Tukuna, we’ve got a couple of quick tips to get your saving started. Small changes to your spending and saving habits can make a big difference to your bank balance in the future.

These are our top five tips.

1. Set Goals

Set yourself savings goals – both short and long term. You can even go as far as creating a vision board or changing your wallpaper/screensaver, so you have a daily reminder of what you’re working towards.

• Short term goals for the smaller things, perhaps a brand-new waka or that long-awaited hararei.
• Long term for those future assets, your deposit for a kāinga or retirement

2. Create a Budget

Creating a budget for yourself can be a useful tool for you to stay on top of your finances. You will see where your money is coming from and what it’s going towards to track your expenses. The aim is to avoid spending more than we earn. Check out sorted.org.nz for an easy to follow budgeting tool.

3. Automatic Savings

Saving becomes simple when it’s not on your mind. Set up automatic payments directly into your savings account that occur every pay-day. This way, you’re saving without even noticing.

4. Savings Account

Having a savings account, especially one you can’t touch, is handy. So, if you don’t have one, make sure to open yourself one. You can move your money over knowing it’ll be tucked away and not being used for your day-to-day spending.

5. Treat yourself... in moderation

As quick as you get the money, on impulse you can spend it just as fast. As hard as it is, avoiding the urge to spend your money on things that aren’t necessary will save you a lot of money in the long run. Be sure to weigh up the cost vs the necessity.

We understand saving can seem difficult but hopefully these top tips will get you on your way.

In the next edition of Tukuna, we will bring you part two of Savings 101 which will outline the steps to creating a budget.