The art of saving and investing. You own this right.

Most people think saving and investing are for “some other time when things get better” when it is actually the opposite. Savings to invest should be the first line in your budget. This money is for you to keep, to invest and one day live out of its profits. Your future self will thank you for that.

Let’s be clear on one thing: the best time to invest was 10 years ago, but the second-best time is TODAY! And guess what, It is today! 

Don’t tell me, you were not taught about saving and keeping some of your hard-earned money for yourself? Well, you are being taught now…you’re welcome, let’s move on.

I personally was not skilled in the art of savings. It was a practice I actually never heard or saw while growing up. For the record, I am not blaming anyone here. Nobody knew better! The whole game was about covering all expenses at all cost, on a monthly basis. There was nothing abnormal about it. The word “savings” was never used, period. In conclusion, my family used to live in a never-ending paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.

Then, after many years of actually having an income, I read somewhere: “pay yourself first” …what? It was mind-blowing! That was a whole different game. It was a huge mind shift! And trust me, it was not easy. The question that always came to my head was “how in the world? I don’t make enough” Let me put it this way: You have the right to keep some of the money you make. There it is, plain and simple. This money is the one you put to work for you right away. Don’t worry about how small or big this number will be. You need to first create the habit (trust me, it is all about habits) to put some of your money away, especially if it is a new concept. It is very important to have a clear number, again no judgement here, just determine a number.

You need to also establish where you are going to keep this money. Under any circumstance it is to be kept in the same bank account along with everything else you keep there. It-is-meant-to-be-put-away. You can do this in two ways: you can either automate this process (highly recommended) or you can transfer it the very same day you are paid. 

In the other hand and while you build your pay-yourself-first fund, learn about the choices you have to invest this money. It has never been so easy to put your money to work than now. At the same time, it is even easier to fall for scams and lose all your money in a blink. Talk to people with experience, find mentors and read the books. Go with what you understand and feel comfortable.

So, when will you start saving and investing?