Recently I read a blog on ways to save money/get money for the new systems. It was a very satirical piece that made me laugh a little and made me think of how I was able to save all the money I needed to pre-order and pay off both my new systems with a two games for each. So I figured I would go ahead and toss a couple ideas for those who might find it useful.
To preface this I am a teacher, which means I make little to nothing when it comes to money. I am ok with that because I want to teach and help students and that is reward enough (although if they give me more money I would be very happy with that.) So here it is and I hope it helps.
1. Save 10%- Ok I have been told this ever since I was little. We hear it on TV; we hear it from people but to be completely honest… It is poo. I would love to tell you that saving 10 % works and in theory it does but when you have bills to pay that 10% is going to direct TV, electric bill, etc. Instead my rule is to pay with cash whenever I can. I know it is easier to have your debit or credit card but when you pay with cash you get this awesome thing called change. Those pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters can amount to some big money (I wanted to say heavy money to make it a joke but I couldn’t, I mean seriously who says heavy money? No one)
2. When I am not paying in cash, I try to move money from my check to my savings account when I can. Try to add to a savings account that has meaning behind it. I currently have 3 savings accounts.
Future trip
In case of emergency
Games
These are the names on each of these accounts and I only dip from one account when I want to buy games. This keeps me from the frivolous spending I might want to do. If the funds aren’t in my account for games, then I don’t let myself buy it.
3. Finally the biggest way I have found for saving money up on my new consoles is in putting money into them like a lay way plan. I pre-ordered my systems this summer after it was made available. Every pay check I have gone in and put something down on them. That has let me get them paid for over time instead of rushing to get funds together day one.
I hope some of these help you and that everyone enjoys launch weekend. I know I will.