The Power of Leftovers – How to Fast Track Your Savings Using this Simple Little Trick

If you are looking to get somewhere fast you need to hurry the f**k up. A regular savings plan is all well and good for reaching those long term goals and is the best way to make sure you don’t end up old and grey and pot-less*. My post How to Save $10,000 the easy way (for people who suck at saving) will ensure your bottom line is a whole lot perkier after 12 short months. However, if we are looking for maximum moolah in minimum time, may I introduce you to my latest saving strategy – Leftovers.

Like all great things in life it is simple but effective. Here is the recipe that is perfect for an unplanned holiday, an unscheduled emergency or just acquiring the funds for a damn fine pair of shoes – STAT.

1. Open up a savings account not linked to your online account (I have an ING Savings Maximiser).
2. Every morning log on to Internet Banking and transfer any ‘leftovers’ from your current balance to your savings account. For example if Monday morning greets you with $476.00 – say sayonara $76 and leave a tidy even $400 in your account. $595.00 – save $95. Some days you will find yourself lucky enough to be $904.00 in the black. $4 may not sound like much but the small stuff adds up over time. In the founding fatherly words of Benjamin Franklin, ‘Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a big ship.’

This Get Richer Post is brought to you by someone who believes in the Japanese proverb ‘Luck exists in the leftovers’ but prefers the type that aren’t found lurking at the back of your refrigerator.

• Pot-less – a term probably derived from the idea of having nothing – not even a pot to piss in. No Money. Zero Funds.