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Systematic saving plan: The key to building a personal cash reserve

Creating a process of setting aside a set amount of income within a monthly savings plan is critical to building a personal cash reserve. Learn about your options when it comes to automatic saving.

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All it takes is one unexpected event — a broken furnace, a property tax hike or, worse yet, a job loss — to underscore the importance of a personal cash reserve. Maintaining a healthy cash reserve of at least six months’ — and ideally one to three years’— worth of your living expenses can provide a cushion in case of an emergency and put you on track for long-term fiscal stability.

But how do you build a cash reserve while simultaneously meeting your regular financial obligations? Consider a systematic saving plan.

 

What is a systematic saving plan?

Simply put, systematic saving is the process of automatically setting aside a specific amount of your income at regular intervals, whether weekly, biweekly or monthly. Rather than putting away money whenever you have some extra cash, or saving whatever is left after paying your monthly expenses, with systematic saving you pay yourself first and make building your personal cash reserve a priority.

In effect, the amount you save on a regular basis becomes a budget expense item, with the same priority as your other monthly payments, such as for your mortgage, insurance and utilities. When you have an automatic savings plan in place, you’re more likely to succeed as a saver because you can avoid the temptation to spend your extra cash.

 

Options to automatically save 

There are many ways you can systematically save. Here are three options to consider:

  • Payroll savings plan. A key feature of many employer benefit plans is a payroll savings plan. Ask your employer to withhold a designated amount of money from each paycheck and automatically deposit it into a specified account — similar to how an employer-sponsored retirement account works. Depending on your employer's payroll savings plan, the account may be at your bank (e.g., checking or savings account), a credit union or other financial institution (e.g., a brokerage account). You're generally free to change the dollar amount withheld as you see fit and stop the withholding at your discretion.
  • Automatic bank account transfers. Most banks and credit unions let you set up automatic transfers between your checking account and higher-yielding savings or money market deposit accounts. So your checking account would serve as the hub for automatic transfers into your savings, money market and/or other designated cash reserve account.
  • Financial account alternatives. Similarly, most financial institutions, brokerage firms and mutual fund companies give you the ability to automatically transfer money between their different savings and investment vehicles. Of course, if you're looking to enhance your cash reserve, you should first discuss with your financial advisor which funds or securities are most appropriate for this strategy.

If you own individual securities that pay regular dividends, such as Treasury notes or bonds, you may be able to have those dividends directly deposited into your designated cash reserve account. Keep in mind that investment distributions are subject to taxation, so consult your tax advisor before implementing such a plan.

It's important to remember a key difference between most bank accounts and brokerage and investment products: Bank checking and deposit accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category (e.g., individual account, joint account, etc.). Brokerage and investment products are not federally or FDIC insured.

 

Start paying yourself now with a systematic money savings plan

Accumulating a healthy cash reserve can help put you on the path to a more financially secure future. Putting away a set amount of money automatically and at regular intervals ensures a portion of your income always supports your long-term savings plan, keeping you prepared for life’s inevitable financial emergencies — and opportunities.

Your financial advisor can help you evaluate systematic savings opportunities and implement a strategy appropriate for your financial situation.

Our advisors know that trust is a matter of work, not words.

Or, request an appointment online to speak with an advisor.

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At Ameriprise, the financial advice we give each of our clients is personalized, based on your goals and no one else's. 

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This information is being provided only as a general source of information and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any securities, accounts or strategies mentioned.  The information is not intended to be used as the primary basis for investment decisions, nor should it be construed as a recommendation or advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual investor.  Please seek the advice of a financial advisor regarding your particular financial situation.
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