Saving money can feel overwhelming when a goal is large or far away. Instead of focusing only on the final number, break your goal into smaller actions you can repeat. Here are three ways to make saving feel more manageable.

Start Small and Automate It

Choose an amount you can consistently save each pay period or month. Then automate the transfer when possible. Starting with $25 or $50 is still progress, and you can increase the amount as your income or budget allows.

Create Savings Checkpoints

Instead of waiting until the end of a long timeline to see whether you’re on track, create smaller milestones. Check your progress monthly or quarterly and adjust if your income, expenses or priorities change. Progress checkpoints can make a big goal feel more attainable.

Prioritize Larger Purchases

Make a list of major purchases or expenses you expect to face and rank them by urgency. If a purchase can wait, give yourself time to save for it. Planning ahead can reduce the chance that an unexpected large expense turns into high-interest debt.

Use Credit Awareness to Support Your Goals

Your credit can play a role in major financial milestones, including buying a car or home. Credit Score Insights can help you monitor your score, receive alerts about changes, simulate potential actions and understand personalized ways to improve your credit. Monitoring your score through the tool does not impact your credit score.

Remember that a savings plan is a process, not a pass-or-fail test. If an unexpected expense forces you to slow down, adjust your timeline and keep going.

Next Step

Ready for your next step? Enroll in Credit Score Insights through USB Online Banking or the USB Mobile App, or speak with a FutureTrack coach for help creating a plan around your goals. Get started today.