Funding the Future: Plant the Seeds of Financial Growth

March Madness doesn’t have to mean just basketball.

March is also a month of celebrations (Mardi Gras & St. Patrick’s Day) and new beginnings (Spring Equinox). This brings to mind parades, parties and flowers. 

If you are looking for fruitful ways to celebrate this glorious month, try planting some seeds. After you’ve nourished the earth, consider planting some of your earnings into a savings account. Just like the flowers that will grow in healthy soil, so will your money grow in an interest bearing account at your local credit union.

Shortcuts to building wealth are as elusive as leprechauns hiding pots of gold. It takes only a dollar at a time to compile your own pot of future funds. There are lots of easy ways to save if you think of your life in terms of hours, not days or weeks.

When you are looking for cost-cutting ideas, think of these impulse buys:

• Coffee: Fancy cups of flavored coffee instead of making at home or buying regular coffee. Or, make it a once a week indulgence.

• Clothing: Trendy shirt/pants/shoes instead of pre-worn from a thrift store. Or trade with friends. 

• Transportation: Driving instead of walking. You’ll fill your tank less often on foot.

• Dining Out: Eating out instead of making meals and snacks at home. You can still socialize if you take turns hosting a brunch or dinner. No one expects a fancy meal; it’s just nice to be invited or doing the inviting.

So go Mad this March by saving instead of spending. Your future self will love you for it.