8 Ways To Save Money Now

Shape up and slim down with BET's tips on toning common trouble zones.

8 Things For Your Financial Health - Money problems are a known cause of stress and having a rainy day fund lightens the load. Adopt a healthier lifestyle and start saving for the future. Small changes over time can yield big results.

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8 Things For Your Financial Health - Money problems are a known cause of stress and having a rainy day fund lightens the load. Adopt a healthier lifestyle and start saving for the future. Small changes over time can yield big results.

The Economy - Not only has the economy dominated the presidential debates, it’s also a hot topic in households. Families are cutting back on their spending, tightening up their budget and getting wiser with their finances.

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Saving Over Time Can Help Secure Your Future - Black women’s sense of obligation to community and family pulls them in so many directions financially. It's impossible to support others if you’re not financially secure. Make sure to put some money away for yourself every week.

Resist Impulse Purchases - One way to find money is to spend less on “nice-to-have” items like electronics, clothing and accessories, eating out, and those addictive coffee drinks. Being more mindful and thinking twice before making a discretionary purchase can make a big difference.

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Resist Impulse Purchases - One way to find money is to spend less on “nice-to-have” items like electronics, clothing and accessories, eating out, and those addictive coffee drinks. Being more mindful and thinking twice before making a discretionary purchase can make a big difference.

Use Credit Cards Sparingly - Save your credit cards for major purchases that you’ve taken the time to consider. Also, try leaving your credit cards at home so that you’re not tempted to use them on impulse purchases.

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Use Credit Cards Sparingly - Save your credit cards for major purchases that you’ve taken the time to consider. Also, try leaving your credit cards at home so that you’re not tempted to use them on impulse purchases.

Use an Automatic Saving Plan - Automatic saving plans make putting a little away almost effortless. With it, a set amount is deducted from each of your paychecks and put into a savings or mutual fund account of your choice.

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Use an Automatic Saving Plan - Automatic saving plans make putting a little away almost effortless. With it, a set amount is deducted from each of your paychecks and put into a savings or mutual fund account of your choice.

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Start A Workplace Retirement Plan - With tax-advantaged workplace retirement plans, you can put money away for retirement and reduce your current taxable income at the same time. Many companies offer an employer match, which is essentially “free money."

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Start A Workplace Retirement Plan - With tax-advantaged workplace retirement plans, you can put money away for retirement and reduce your current taxable income at the same time. Many companies offer an employer match, which is essentially “free money."

Create a Financial Plan - Research shows that even the simplest financial plan gives you feelings of financial empowerment. Creating a financial plan will encourage you to focus on where you want to go and, just as importantly, what you need to do to get there.

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Create a Financial Plan - Research shows that even the simplest financial plan gives you feelings of financial empowerment. Creating a financial plan will encourage you to focus on where you want to go and, just as importantly, what you need to do to get there.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help - Research also found that women who use a professional financial advisor are more likely to create a financial plan and feel more financially secure. To find a financial professional, ask around or go online. And don’t be afraid to ask questions and check references.

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Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help - Research also found that women who use a professional financial advisor are more likely to create a financial plan and feel more financially secure. To find a financial professional, ask around or go online. And don’t be afraid to ask questions and check references.

Learn by Doing/Join an Investment Club - Not comfortable engaging a financial professional? Find an investment club in your community that’s compatible with your knowledge and experience. They can be a lot of fun and a great way to learn the ins and outs of investing.

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Learn by Doing/Join an Investment Club - Not comfortable engaging a financial professional? Find an investment club in your community that’s compatible with your knowledge and experience. They can be a lot of fun and a great way to learn the ins and outs of investing.