Having a system that divides your money between what's spendable and what goes towards savings or debt can do wonders to your finances.
So, how can you create such a system?
Step 1: Identify the following:
Non-Negotiable Expenses – bills, rent, mortgage, utilities, memberships, groceries, etc.
Non-Negotiable Debt Payments or Savings – such as minimum debt payments or savings for your taxes/ HST if you're self-employed
Step 2: Set a "target amount" for your total monthly discretionary expenses (things such as restaurants, coffee, and clothes). The best way to set a realistic target is by downloading your bank statements (say over the last 2-3 months) and tracking what you typically spend on each category. You can then make adjustments to your target if there are areas where you want to cut back.
Step 3: Determine how much of your monthly paycheque is required to cover the amounts found in Steps 1 and 2. How much is left over? This amount should go towards savings or to further tackle your debt.
You can then use KOHO to bring this plan into action!
Example: Use Direct Deposit to put your paycheque onto KOHO
Use KOHO to pay bills and non-negotiable expenses from Step 1 (here's how)
Have the amount of your income found in Step 3 automatically transferred towards debt or investment accounts such as a TFSA or RRSP
The rest is available within your KOHO Spendable for your discretionary expenses found in Step 2
It's always best to set up automatic payments for your savings and debt. In fact, people tend to save twice as much or pay down debt two times faster using this technique! You can make these transfer payments weekly, monthly, or every few months, but try and keep them consistent.
This strategy takes a bit of up-front work, but it's totally worth it. You'll make room for the things you love (a last-minute getaway or a splurge-worthy dinner) while also looking after your future-self (tackling debt or building that nest-egg).
If you're set up on Direct Deposit, we can help you create such a plan through our Financial Coach service. Check it out!