Save for the Things You Want

Some people are prone to impulse shopping and have to have what they want when they want it. They bring out the check book, credit card or debit card, and make the purchase right then and there, without regards to the cost. This is called instant gratification.

Instant gratification feels good at the time, but later, once the realization of what the real costs are, short term gratification can turn into a long term headache.

When you want something and it is not a priority in your life, the wise thing to do is to save the money to buy it and not charge it or pay for it with money that you know you need for something that is more important.

There is a difference between what you want and what you need.

• What you want are things that you see, or hear about, that makes you feel the urge to possess them, whether you need them or not.
• What you need are basic items that help sustain you for the good of your health and your everyday living experience.

There is nothing wrong with wanting things that you don't need, but there may be a problem when you buy things that don't need and you can't afford, simply because you want them.

There is nothing wrong with getting something that you want at a later date by saving for it but your priority should be spending the money that you have on the things that you need to sustain your living experience.

Years ago, saving money was a big deal but it doesn't seem that way today. With ATM's at every bank, and in malls and shopping centers, and credit cards from every bank and every major department store, saving money has become a very hard thing to do.

But saving your money is possible, especially if you develop and incorporate a good plan for saving and a budget strategy that you can live with.

Learning self-control and self-discipline can go a long way in helping you save for the things you want.

Remember, if you start a savings account and put money into it on a regular basis, with the savings and the interest that the bank or credit union adds to it every month, your saving will grow and you will have more buying power in the future.

To be sure, it takes time and effort to save money, but it is truly worth it in the long run.

Finance Topic of the Month: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)