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How to Save Money Fast On A Low Income?

Saving money on a low income in India can feel like a battle that surely will be lost. For low-income earners, it is common to find expenses quickly consuming their earnings. ...Read More

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How to Save Money Fast On A Low Income?

How to Save Money Fast On a Low Income?

How to Save Money Fast On a Low Income
September 05, 2024

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When your income is low, one of the basics that you must take to save money is setting a goal. When you prioritise your goal, it becomes easy to save money and you can continue it consistently. Thus, continue reading this article to learn about strategies on how to save money fast on a low income and more.

10 Tips to Save Money With Low-Income

It might be quite challenging to save money with a low income, but it is not impossible. By instilling proper financial habits and the ideas of different saving plans, you can achieve your financial goals conveniently. Below are the details on ways to save money on a low income:

1. Stick to a Budget

Set a budget on the very first day of the month no matter your income level and stick to it. This will help you to spend a limited amount on groceries, personal care, bills, etc. Look into the details of your finances and find out the bills to be paid by the due date. Once you cover all essential expenses, keep aside a certain portion of your earnings as savings. Gradually increase your savings by about 15% to 20% of your income.

This way you can save yourself from overspending. Sticking to a set budget will enable you to determine where exactly to spend your money. This thereby will bridge the gap between actual saving and your saving goals.

2. Make Saving Routine

To save a specific amount each month from your low income, you must instil the habit of savings as your routine. You need to consider both short-term and long-term financial goals to stick to the routine. This approach will let you keep aside a certain portion of your money before you get the chance to spend it. Over time, this will turn into a healthy habit and help you achieve financial stability.

Moreover, you can opt for different saving schemes available among several financial institutions and banks that will help you to stick to the routine. Opting for saving schemes such as monthly SIP in mutual funds or recurring deposits allows you to start saving money each month with as low as Rs. 100. Opting for such strategies will not only help you save money each month but will also allow you to build a corpus for future or emergency use.

3. Secure Your Family with Insurance

Investing your money in an insurance plan and keeping your family safe and secure should be on the top priority list, even on a budget. It may happen due to some unfortunate event you face an untimely demise, leaving your family behind with a ton of debt. In such scenarios, if you have a term insurance plan, it will protect your family from facing a financial crisis in your absence.

The premium of a term insurance plan is very affordable, which is ideal for individuals with low income. Hence, options for such insurance policies will not only help you save money each month but also secure your family’s financial future. Moreover, you can also opt to get a health insurance policy that will protect you and your family members in case of financial emergencies and will not leave you with nothing during treatments.

4. Lower Housing Costs

Housing costs are a big issue when it comes to saving money with lower incomes. But, this does not suggest that you cannot save anything. There are several ways to lower your housing cost to add some money into your savings. Firstly, you can opt to get a roommate if you are renting a space alone. This will cut your rent in half and significantly help to save money. You can also downsize your rented room or opt for a place in a different area that offers a cheaper price.

Moreover, you may also refinance to lower the monthly payments of mortgages, loan terms or cost of interest. This may also help access equity in your house for debt consolidation or improvements in the home. Overall, downsizing your place and reducing utility expenses can help you save a specific amount each month to use in future circumstances.

5. Budget for Food

Setting a proper budget for food is crucial to limit overspending. Plan your daily food requirement before going out for grocery shopping. This way you can stick to your set budget. Make sure to compare prices of food and purchase from the provider offering the cheap price, however also not significantly degrading the quality of food.

Expenses on food are one of the major reasons why people are not able to save enough at the end of the month. Overspending in this area is most common, as a casual plan with your friends or your family can let you overspend on food and drinks. Thus, you can opt to cook your food at home and avoid purchasing any fancy food to cut down on expenses.

6. Cut Unnecessary Expenses

Cut down unnecessary expenses to inculcate the habit of spending wisely. Rather than buying anything new all the time, go for rented, borrowing or second-hand items. At present, there are many apps and sales sites offering goods at low prices. Search them and opt for the cheapest one, with good quality though.

Other than this, cancel your memberships and subscription plans which you need no longer. This includes gym memberships, streaming services, online subscriptions and more. Cancelling them will help you save money and reach your financial goal faster!

7. Pay Off Debt First

Repayment of debt should be prioritised to achieve long-term financial plans. Pay off your debt as soon as possible. To do this, firstly you need to have a clear idea about the amount you owe and then figure out a plan to pay them without affecting your basic monthly expenses. Focusing on the interest rate you are paying, follow the below-mentioned simple steps:

  • If you have any high-interest rate debts, try to convert these debts into an interest-free credit card or loan with minimal interest rates
  • Next, pay out the high interest rate debts as much as possible. Until it is cleared, pay only a minimum amount of other low-interest debts
  • Whatever the amount you are paying for high-interest debt, keep aside the remaining amount for clearing low-interest rate debt. Continue this until all debts are cleared.

Following the above methods, you can not only save money on interest but gradually clear out your debts smoothly.

8. Use Tax Benefits

Make sure to claim any tax benefits** you are eligible for, helping you to save a considerable amount of money from your low income. Consider tax-free childcare, marriage allowance and others, where you can save a significant portion by paying minimal to no taxes. Additionally, there are government-initiated investment plans launched especially for low-income individuals that also provide tax exemptions and deductions. By availing of these benefits, you can limit your overspending and save more for the future.

9. Automate Savings and Bills

To save fast with low income, treat your savings as a bill. By opting for the automated payment option, you can choose how much to transfer, when and where to transfer. The main advantage of automating savings and bills is you do not have to think about the transfer of money and your expenditure is also known before and limited.

This option works best for individuals with a habit of not paying bills and payments on time until they approach the due date. Automating savings and bills lets banks pay on time from your required account automatically, making you stay hassle-free.

10. Save on Transport

Transportation occupies a significant portion of your income. So, wherever it is possible, go with a bike or walk. If you have easy access to public transport, it will be a much cheaper mode of travel. You can also opt for carpooling to your job location if you reside near a co-worker. Presently, various applications help you get cheaper travelling options and shared rides.

Moreover, if you have your own car or bike, you can list yourself in different transport applications that will help you earn some extra money by picking up and travelling with other individuals going in a similar direction.

FAQs on How to Save Money with Low Income

1. How to save with a low salary?

To save with a low salary, set up a strict budget, automate savings and bills, cut down unnecessary expenses, reduce debts, and choose different government programs to avail tax benefits. Following these simple tips can help you save fast even while earning less.

2. What are the quickest ways to save money on a tight budget?

To save money on a tight budget, find cheaper ways to travel, cut down food expenses, find ways of saving rent, fix your budget to a low credit card limit, do grocery shopping online and more.  

3. Can I build an emergency fund with a low income?

To build an emergency fund with a low income, save small amounts consistently over a period. Cut down on unnecessary expenses and grow your fund to meet emergency scenarios smoothly.

4. How can I cut living expenses on a limited income?

To cut living expenses on a limited income, choose the right budgeting method, allocate funds appropriately, and prioritise your bills considering your income. Alongside, cook meals at home as a healthy option, shop for grocery items at discounts and more.

5. Can I still save money if my income is very low?

Yes, you can still save money if your income is very low, though it's limited. In this scenario, opt for the tax** saving instrument under Section 80C to avail of benefits. Alongside, saving 20% of your income is a must with low earnings.

Conclusion

Overall, saving money is a lifelong journey, requiring ultimate dedication and extensive financial planning. Follow the factors discussed above about how to save money as well as track your expenses each month. With a thorough understanding of your finances, setting goals and implementing practical strategies, it is possible to build wealth over time and achieve your financial dreams.

Thus, unlock a world of freedom with financial opportunities by starting to save today. It is important to stay disciplined in this journey and optimise your spending with strategic planning.

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Francis Rodrigues Francis Rodrigues

Francis Rodrigues has a decade long experience in the insurance sector, and as SVP, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing, HDFC Life, manages the online sales channel, as well as digital and performance marketing. He has had hands-on experience in setting up sales channels and functional teams from scratch over a career spanning 2 decades.

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Vishal Subharwal Vishal Subharwal

Vishal Subharwal heads the Strategy, Marketing, E-Commerce, Digital Business & Sustainability initiatives at HDFC Life. He is responsible for crafting and ensuring successful implementation of the overall organisation strategy.

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** As per Income Tax Act, 1961. Tax benefits are subject to changes in tax laws. The afore stated views are based on the current Income-tax law. Also, the customer is requested to seek tax advice from his Chartered Accountant or personal tax advisor with respect to his personal tax liabilities under the Income-tax law.

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